Beyond Brushing and Flossing

By Justin Gibbs On Sep 17, 2026

What is an important consideration when developing a prevention plan for a patient at high or extreme caries risk?

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Relying solely on conventional fluoride therapy

Using the same preventive regimen for every patient

Combining multiple preventive therapies with active monitoring

Limiting treatment to restorative care

Correct! Wrong!

High- and extreme-risk patients may require a combination of preventive therapies and ongoing surveillance to determine whether caries progression is being controlled.

Which fluoride dentifrice is identified as a first-line prevention option for patients at high caries risk?

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500 ppm fluoride

1,000 ppm fluoride

2,500 ppm fluoride

5,000 ppm fluoride

Correct! Wrong!

Prescription-strength 5,000-ppm fluoride toothpaste is a first-line preventive therapy for patients at high caries risk.

Which benefit is associated with chewing sugar-free gum?

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It eliminates cariogenic bacteria

It stimulates salivary flow and aids plaque and food-debris removal

It permanently increases enamel hardness

It replaces the need for fluoride therapy

Correct! Wrong!

Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and promote mechanical plaque and food-debris removal, providing an adjunctive caries-prevention benefit.

Beyond Brushing and Flossing

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