Dental Caries Aetiology and Risk Factors

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What is the primary factor of the tooth that makes it susceptible to dental caries, involving deep and narrow occlusal fissures?

Susceptible areas on the tooth

What is the difference between surface enamel and subsurface enamel in terms of mineralization and fluoride content?

Surface enamel is more mineralized and contains more fluoride than subsurface enamel

What type of diet is more responsible for dental caries, and why?

More refined and less fibrous foods are more responsible for dental caries because they have low clearance from the oral cavity

What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates in terms of their role in dental caries?

Simple carbohydrates like glucose, fructose, and sucrose are more cariogenic, while complex carbohydrates are less cariogenic Signup and view all the answers

How does the frequency of carbohydrate intake affect the risk of dental caries?

The lower the frequency of carbohydrate intake, the lower the risk of dental caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the main causative factor for dental caries, and what are its characteristics?

Streptococcus mutans (SM) is the main causative factor for dental caries, and it can adhere to tooth surfaces, produce acid, survive at low pH, and ferment sucrose to produce glucan Signup and view all the answers

How does the biochemical structure of teeth affect their susceptibility to dental caries?

The biochemical structure of teeth, including the differences in mineralization and fluoride content between surface and subsurface enamel, affects their susceptibility to dental caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of saliva in dental caries, and how does it relate to the modifying factors?

Saliva is a modifying factor that can affect the development of dental caries, as it can help neutralize acid and promote remineralization Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glucan in the process of dental caries?

Glucan assists Streptococcus mutans (SM) to adhere firmly to the tooth surface and inhibits diffusion of salivary buffers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical pH at which the organic material of the tooth begins to dissolve?

5.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of lysozymes, lactoferrin, and IgA in the saliva?

These components have antibacterial properties, which help in preventing the growth of bacteria that contribute to dental caries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of dental caries based on?

Anatomical site, lesion activity, speed of caries progression, treatment and restoration design, pathway of caries spread, extent of caries, and number of tooth surfaces involved. Signup and view all the answers

What type of caries is seen on the pit and fissure surfaces of posterior teeth?

Pit and fissure caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between primary and recurrent caries?

Primary caries are lesions on unrestored surfaces, while recurrent caries are lesions developing adjacent to restorations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of rampant caries?

Rampant caries are suddenly appearing, widespread, and rapidly burrowing, with early involvement of the pulp. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of time in the development of dental caries?

The time period during which the principal factors are acting jointly should be adequate to produce an acidic pH that is critical for the dissolution of enamel. Signup and view all the answers

What type of caries is characterized by a large cavity on the occlusal surface that no longer retains food and becomes self-cleansing?

Arrested Caries Signup and view all the answers

Which class of caries involves the proximal surfaces of posterior teeth?

Class II Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the pathway of caries spread where the caries cone in enamel is large or of the same size as dentine?

Forward caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the initial stage of caries activity, characterized by a 'white spot' lesion that can be remineralized?

Incipient caries Signup and view all the answers

Which class of caries involves the incisal edges of anterior teeth and the cusp tips of posterior teeth?

Class VI Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the spread of caries along the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) that exceeds the caries in contiguous enamel?

Backward caries Signup and view all the answers

Which class of caries involves the proximal surfaces of anterior teeth involving the incisal edge?

Class IV Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the type of caries that has become stationary or static, with no further progression?

Arrested Caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of caries risk assessment in dental treatment?

It allows for a better appraisal of caries activity and refinement of the treatment planning. Signup and view all the answers

What is an indicator of high caries risk?

One new lesion on a smooth surface during the past 1 year. Signup and view all the answers

What is a medical factor that contributes to caries risk?

Medications causing hyposalivation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fluoride in caries prevention?

Fluoride ions increase the resistance of hydroxyapatite in enamel and dentine to dissolution by plaque acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dietary measure to prevent caries?

Avoiding excessive intake of sugary and sticky foods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of interdental cleaning in oral hygiene?

Removal of food debris and prevention of caries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the active ingredient in chlorohexidine gluconate?

It binds to the bacterial cell wall and interferes with membrane transport systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concentration of fluoride in professional topical fluoride gel?

2,72% acidulated phosphate (12,300 ppm fluoride) or 2% Sodium fluoride gel (9,200 ppm fluoride). Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the remineralization of the surface enamel due to increased fluoride exposure in patients with a low caries rate?

Occult caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe caries that extends beyond the enamel into the dentine and cannot be remineralized?

Cavitated caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of early childhood caries?

Involvement of the four maxillary deciduous incisor teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe caries that occurs due to recession of the gingiva and decreased salivary function, commonly seen in adults?

Adult caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe caries left in a prepared cavity even after restoration has been completed?

Residual caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification system used by the WHO to describe the shape and depth of carious lesions?

D1-D4 system Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the size of the carious lesion in the Graham + Mount classification system?

Location of carious lesion Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical site where enamel caries typically begins?

Pits and fissures Signup and view all the answers