Preventive dentistry: 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.

Try it

Dentistry · Preventive dentistry

Sample item

Which daily behavior most directly reduces interproximal plaque accumulation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cleaning between teeth with an appropriate interdental aid

Toothbrush bristles may not adequately clean between teeth, so floss or appropriately sized interdental brushes can disrupt interproximal plaque when used correctly as part of a broader individualized oral-hygiene plan.

Option by option

  • A. Avoiding all dental visits

    Regular professional review supports prevention and early disease detection.

  • B. Rinsing only with plain water after meals

    Water rinsing alone does not reliably disrupt established interdental biofilm.

  • C. Using a harder toothbrush with no technique change

    Harder brushing without technique may damage tissues and does not ensure interdental cleaning.

  • D. Cleaning between teeth with an appropriate interdental aid (correct)

    Correct: interdental cleaning directly targets plaque between tooth 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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Cleaning between teeth with an appropriate interdental aid. Toothbrush bristles may not adequately clean between teeth, so floss or appropriately sized interdental brushes can disrupt interproximal plaque when used correctly as part of a broader individualized oral-hygiene plan.

Why is "Avoiding all dental visits" not the answer?

Regular professional review supports prevention and early disease detection.

Why is "Rinsing only with plain water after meals" not the answer?

Water rinsing alone does not reliably disrupt established interdental biofilm.

Why is "Using a harder toothbrush with no technique change" not the answer?

Harder brushing without technique may damage tissues and does not ensure interdental cleaning.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Preventive dentistry in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: interdental cleaning directly targets plaque between tooth surfaces.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Preventive dentistry?

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.