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

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Study with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your dental hygienist exam!

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Which part of a dental examination is crucial for detecting the presence of sialoliths?

Examining the floor of the mouth
Palpating Wharton's duct
Assessing the maxillary sinus
Inspecting the buccal mucosa

The correct answer is: Palpating Wharton's duct

Detecting the presence of sialoliths, or salivary stones, primarily involves palpating Wharton's duct. Wharton's duct is associated with the submandibular gland, which is the most commonly affected gland by sialolithiasis due to the thick saliva produced there and the anatomical pathway of the duct. By palpating this duct, a dental hygienist can feel for any irregularities or stones that may have formed, as sialoliths can sometimes be felt if they are close to the duct opening. Additionally, examining the floor of the mouth can provide visual cues or signs of swelling but does not allow for direct detection as palpation does. Assessing the maxillary sinus and inspecting the buccal mucosa are also important parts of a dental examination but are not specific to the detection of sialoliths. The focus on Wharton's duct enables a more targeted and effective approach to identify these salivary stones.