National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

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What type of agent is used to stain new and mature plaque in red and blue tints during oral hygiene instruction?

  1. Erythrosin

  2. Disclosing tablet

  3. Two-tone disclosing solution

  4. Bismarck Brown

The correct answer is: Two-tone disclosing solution

The correct answer is the type of agent that is specifically formulated to stain both new and mature plaque using different colors to aid in oral hygiene instruction. This agent allows dental professionals to visually demonstrate areas in the mouth that require improved cleaning techniques, helping patients recognize the difference between plaque that is newly formed and that which has been present for a longer period. The two-tone staining generally involves red for newer plaque and blue for older plaque. Utilizing a two-tone disclosing solution is particularly effective in educational settings, as it provides immediate visual feedback to the patient about their oral hygiene practices. This contrasts with a single-color stain, which wouldn’t offer the additional detail on plaque age, making the two-tone disclosing solution valuable for personalized instruction on improving oral care routines.