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Which of the following intraoral devices would you recommend for this client to remove interproximal bacterial plaque biofilm?

1) TootHBrush
2) Dental floss
3) Mouthwash
4) Chewing gum

1 Answer

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Final answer:

For effective removal of interproximal bacterial plaque biofilm, both a Toothbrush and dental floss are recommended due to their ability to mechanically remove plaque. Mouthwash and chewing gum can support oral health but are not sufficient for removing biofilm.

Step-by-step explanation:

To remove interproximal bacterial plaque biofilm effectively, the recommended intraoral devices are a Toothbrush and dental floss. While a toothbrush alone can clean the surfaces of the teeth, dental floss is especially designed to remove plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. This physical removal of microbes is essential, as it combats microbial growth and biofilm formation.

The use of mouthwash can serve as an adjunctive treatment, with antiseptic properties thanks to ingredients like phenolics and heavy metals, which disrupt microbial membranes and denature proteins. However, mouthwash alone cannot remove the biofilm effectively. Chewing gum, particularly sugar-free options with sugar alcohols like xylitol, can stimulate saliva production, which contains antibacterial enzymes such as lysozyme and helps to neutralize the acidic byproducts of bacterial metabolism, but it is not sufficient for the removal of plaque.

Therefore, for thorough cleaning of the interproximal spaces, wielding a toothbrush in combination with dental floss is the most suitable recommendation.

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