Brushing is an example of which category of home dental care?

• A. Chemical home care
• B. Surgical home care
• C. Mechanical home care
• D. Dietary home care

Answer: (C)

Brushing is a mechanical home care method because it relies on physical action to remove plaque and debris from tooth surfaces. The brushing motion disrupts and dislodges the dental biofilm, with the bristles providing the mechanical cleaning and the paste aiding lubrication and minor abrasion. While toothpaste can contain chemical ingredients that help protect teeth, the defining category here is the method—physical removal of plaque, not a chemical treatment. Chemical home care would involve substances that act chemically on bacteria or enamel, surgical home care refers to clinician-performed procedures, and dietary home care focuses on nutrition and food choices to influence oral health.