IS standards for dental cosmetic products MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This quiz collection focuses on IS standards for dental cosmetic products, tailored for M.Pharm students studying Herbal and Cosmetic Analysis (MPA 204T). It covers the scope of Indian standards, critical quality and safety parameters, analytical methods, microbiological controls, packaging and labeling requirements, and claim substantiation. Questions emphasize practical testing approaches — for example fluoride assay by ion-selective electrodes, preservative efficacy (challenge) tests, abrasivity measurement (RDA), and stability considerations — all essential for formulation development, quality control and regulatory compliance of toothpastes, tooth powders, gels and mouthwashes. Use these MCQs to strengthen concept clarity and exam preparation in regulatory and analytical aspects of dental cosmetics.

Q1. Which group of products is covered under IS standards for dental cosmetic products?

• Toothpaste only
• Toothpaste and mouthwash only
• Toothpaste, tooth powders, gels and mouthwashes
• Denture adhesives only

Correct Answer: Toothpaste, tooth powders, gels and mouthwashes

Q2. What is the primary objective of IS standards for dental cosmetic products?

• To ensure safety of the product
• To ensure quality and consistency
• To ensure efficacy of claimed benefits
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Q3. Which parameter specifically quantifies the abrasive potential of a dentifrice?

• pH value
• RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity)
• Viscosity
• Total ash

Correct Answer: RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity)

Q4. Which analytical technique is commonly recommended for determining fluoride concentration in toothpastes?

• Ion-selective electrode (ISE) method
• Titration with sodium hydroxide
• High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas chromatography (GC)

Correct Answer: Ion-selective electrode (ISE) method

Q5. What is the main purpose of accelerated stability testing for dental cosmetic products under IS guidance?

• To predict shelf life and detect likely degradation pathways
• To enumerate microbial contaminants
• To determine abrasivity against dentin
• To check for label legibility only

Correct Answer: To predict shelf life and detect likely degradation pathways

Q6. IS-based microbiological requirements for dental cosmetics generally mandate absence of which pathogenic organisms?

• Escherichia coli
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Staphylococcus aureus
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Q7. Why is pH control important in toothpaste formulation according to IS expectations?

• It influences the stability of fluoride and safety for enamel
• It only affects color development
• It determines only the packaging choice
• It is irrelevant for dental products

Correct Answer: It influences the stability of fluoride and safety for enamel

Q8. Which test is used to evaluate the foaming property of dentifrices as per typical standards?

• Foam height (foamability) test
• Viscosity measurement
• RDA measurement
• Assay of active ingredient

Correct Answer: Foam height (foamability) test

Q9. The procedure used to assess the effectiveness of preservatives in mouthwashes and toothpastes is commonly known as:

• Challenge test / Preservative efficacy test
• RDA determination
• pH stability assay
• Organoleptic evaluation

Correct Answer: Challenge test / Preservative efficacy test

Q10. According to IS labeling requirements for dental cosmetics, which information must be present on the label?

• Batch number
• Manufacture and expiry date
• Complete list of ingredients (INCI or common names)
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Q11. Which heavy metals are typically monitored in dental cosmetic product testing under IS guidelines?

• Lead (Pb)
• Arsenic (As)
• Mercury (Hg)
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Q12. Which of the following abrasives are commonly specified or evaluated in dentifrice standards?

• Calcium carbonate
• Hydrated silica
• Aluminium oxide (alumina)
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Q13. For analysis of volatile flavour and aroma components in dental cosmetics, which technique is most appropriate?

• High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)
• UV–visible spectrophotometry
• Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)

Correct Answer: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)

Q14. What does the term “dentifrice” refer to in the context of dental cosmetic IS standards?

• Products used for cleaning teeth such as toothpastes, tooth powders and gels
• A specific type of toothbrush
• A professional dental instrument
• Mouthguard material

Correct Answer: Products used for cleaning teeth such as toothpastes, tooth powders and gels

Q15. Claims such as “anti-caries” or “antimicrobial” on dental cosmetic labels should be supported by:

• Validated clinical or laboratory evidence
• No evidence is required
• Only animal testing data
• Marketing testimonials alone

Correct Answer: Validated clinical or laboratory evidence

Q16. Which packaging characteristic is important to maintain integrity and shelf life of toothpastes according to standard guidance?

• Airtight and moisture-proof container
• Open-top jar with loose lid
• Metal container prone to corrosion
• Unlabeled plain sachet

Correct Answer: Airtight and moisture-proof container

Q17. RDA as a metric used in dental product evaluation stands for:

• Relative Dentin Abrasivity
• Recommended Dental Abrasive
• Relative Dental Alkalinity
• Regulated Detergent Activity

Correct Answer: Relative Dentin Abrasivity

Q18. Which of the following categories of preservatives are commonly used and assessed in dental cosmetics?

• Parabens (e.g., methylparaben)
• Sodium benzoate
• Phenoxyethanol
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Q19. Critical quality attributes for mouthwash formulations that IS standards address include:

• Alcohol content and safety
• Antimicrobial efficacy
• Organoleptic stability (flavour and clarity)
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Q20. Microbial limit testing for dental cosmetics under typical standards includes measurement of:

• Total aerobic microbial count and total yeast and mould count
• Only Escherichia coli presence
• Only Staphylococcus aureus presence
• No microbial testing is required

Correct Answer: Total aerobic microbial count and total yeast and mould count

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