Community dentistry: interdental cleaning: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Community dentistry: interdental cleaning

Sample item

A patient with large embrasures after periodontal therapy is advised which aid for cleaning the proximal surfaces?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Interdental brushes

Interdental brushes are the most effective for open embrasures after periodontal treatment, while floss suits tight contacts. Rinses alone do not remove plaque mechanically.

Option by option

  • A. Mouth rinse alone

    Rinsing does not remove plaque efficiently.

  • B. Hard toothpick forced under the gum

    Forcing toothpicks may injure the papilla.

  • C. Interdental brushes (correct)

    Correct. Brushes clean wide interdental spaces best.

  • D. Tongue scraper

    A tongue scraper cleans the tongue, not proximal surfaces.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Interdental brushes. Interdental brushes are the most effective for open embrasures after periodontal treatment, while floss suits tight contacts.

Why is "Mouth rinse alone" not the answer?

Rinsing does not remove plaque efficiently.

Why is "Hard toothpick forced under the gum" not the answer?

Forcing toothpicks may injure the papilla.

Why is "Tongue scraper" not the answer?

A tongue scraper cleans the tongue, not proximal surfaces.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community dentistry: interdental cleaning in Dentistry. Rinses alone do not remove plaque mechanically.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Community dentistry: interdental cleaning?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.