Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) with our comprehensive quiz. Enhance your knowledge with questions covering all exam sections. Each question includes detailed explanations to aid your understanding and readiness for the exam.

Practice this question and more.


Identify one method of mechanical plaque removal.

  1. Tooth brushing

  2. Flossing

  3. Use of mouthwash

  4. Saline rinsing

The correct answer is: Tooth brushing

Tooth brushing is a fundamental method of mechanical plaque removal. It involves using a toothbrush with bristles to physically scrub the surfaces of the teeth, effectively dislodging plaque and food particles. The action of the bristles aids in preventing the accumulation of plaque, which can lead to conditions such as gingivitis and dental caries. While flossing is also effective for removing plaque from between the teeth, it is considered a complementary technique rather than a standalone method. Mouthwash and saline rinsing can assist in oral hygiene by reducing bacteria and freshening breath, but they do not provide mechanical cleaning action on the teeth themselves. Therefore, tooth brushing is recognized as a primary method for mechanically removing plaque and maintaining overall oral health.