Upon the completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Discuss the importance of toothbrushing, based on current oral disease prevalence, and the criticality of plaque removal in disease prevention.
- Explain the basis for the incorporation of agents in toothpaste formulation for disease prevention and treatment.
- Review the differences between the common fluorides found in commercial toothpastes.
- Describe the method of action and benefits of stannous fluoride as an antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agent in dentifrice.
- Identify other common toothpaste agents that address patient indications, both therapeutic and cosmetic.
- Describe how abrasivity is related to toothpaste safety.
- Recognize the importance of laboratory and clinical research in establishing and supporting toothpaste claims.
- Apply the understanding about toothpastes’ relative benefits to assist patients in selecting the best dentifrice to meet their unique oral health needs.
