Enhance your HOSA Dental Terminology knowledge with our quiz. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following is a characteristic of the acquired pellicle?

  1. Thick and rigid layer

  2. Thin and removable layer

  3. Only present in healthy mouths

  4. Permanent fixture on teeth

The correct answer is: Thin and removable layer

The acquired pellicle is a thin and removable layer that forms on the surfaces of teeth shortly after a tooth is cleaned. It consists primarily of glycoproteins from saliva and is important for dental health, as it serves as a protective barrier and is a site for biofilm development. This layer is dynamic; it can be easily disturbed or removed through practices like brushing and flossing, thus emphasizing its thin and removable nature. In contrast to the characteristics listed in the other options, the acquired pellicle is not thick or rigid; it is more akin to a soft film on the teeth. Furthermore, it is not solely present in healthy mouths, as it can also be found in individuals with dental disease, and it is certainly not a permanent fixture since it is constantly being formed and removed.