Searching: Keywords-4

Keywords

Take a few minutes to think about what you are looking for before you start searching.  Identifying keywords relevant to your topic will help you find more relevant search results.  Your textbook, class notes, and websites are some good places to look for keywords on your research topic.

Websites such as then MedlinePlus Links to an external site. offer keywords.  You might also consider:

  • Population (e.g. children, women, low-income, college students...)
  • Synonyms (e.g. Income, socioeconomic, social class...)

Medline Plus website with keywords related to dental care such as plaque, tartar, cavities, and Periodontitis.

 

This peer review article on the Efficacy of flossing and mouthrinsing regimens Links to an external site. includes a keywords section in the abstract:

Peer reviewed article with keywords related to dental care such as dental plaque, gingivitis, mouthrinse, and dental floss.

 

Searching

One you have identified some keywords relevant to your topic, use these search tips to combine your keywords for a more effective search.

Use AND to narrow your search

Boolean search using the keywords "oral health" AND floss.

 

Use OR to broaden your search

Boolean search using the keywords dental OR "oral health"

 

Use QUOTES to search for a specific phrase

Advanced search using the keywords cavities AND "oral health" AND mouthrinsing OR "mouth rinsing" OR mouthwash OR "mouth wash"