Dental Caries Aetiology
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Dental Caries Aetiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of dental caries?

  • Inadequate dental hygiene practices
  • Poor dietary choices
  • Chemical dissolution caused by microbial activity (correct)
  • Genetic predisposition

    • Which of the following factors significantly contributes to the development of dental caries?

  • Psychological factors (correct)
  • Frequency of dental visits
  • Type of toothbrush used
  • Environmental temperature

    • Which statement best defines dental caries?

  • An irreversible loss of tooth structure
  • A genetic disorder affecting tooth enamel
  • A systemic disease that impacts oral health
  • The result of localized chemical dissolution of the tooth surface (correct)

    • What is one of the key components in the assessment process for preventing dental caries?

    <p>Understanding psychological factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach is essential for managing the risk of dental caries effectively?

    <p>Education on dietary choices and hygiene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of sugars are considered intrinsic?

    <p>Natural sugars in fruits and vegetables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason sucrose is more cariogenic than other sugars?

    <p>It is rapidly metabolized to produce extracellular polysaccharides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which carbohydrate is least likely to contribute to tooth decay?

    <p>Complex carbohydrates like starch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'critical pH' refer to in dental health?

    <p>The pH level below which teeth begin to lose minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following sugars is categorized as extrinsic?

    <p>Honey fructose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do simple sugars contribute to tooth decay?

    <p>They quickly diffuse and are metabolized by bacteria to produce acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are complex carbohydrates like starch less cariogenic?

    <p>They are partially broken down and do not cause rapid acid production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance becomes supersaturated with phosphate and hydroxide ions in acidic environments?

    <p>Saliva</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary cause of dental caries?

    <p>Bacterial actions on fermentable carbohydrates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about dental caries?

    <p>It can be reversible in its earliest stages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area of the tooth is considered more susceptible to dental caries?

    <p>Pits and fissures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do bacteria within the plaque biofilm primarily metabolize?

    <p>Fermentable carbohydrates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT part of the aetiology of dental caries?

    <p>Salivary gland function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What metabolic product do bacteria produce when they metabolize fermentable carbohydrates?

    <p>Lactic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding the reversibility of dental caries?

    <p>Only early stages of caries can be reversed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following surfaces on a tooth is NOT typically associated with increased susceptibility to caries?

    <p>Dentin surfaces covered by enamel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bacteria is primarily associated with enamel caries?

    <p>Mutans streptococci</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the production of lactic acid by anaerobic bacteria have on tooth enamel?

    <p>It causes demineralisation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Vipeholm study, which food was associated with the highest development of dental caries?

    <p>Toffees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does frequent sugar consumption affect calcium ions in the plaque?

    <p>It causes more calcium ions to move into the plaque than are re-added.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the critical pH for enamel?

    <p>5-5.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major finding from Orland's 1954 experiments?

    <p>Plaque biofilm is essential for caries existence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition leads to remineralization of teeth?

    <p>When pH exceeds the critical pH</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does time between acid attacks affect caries risk?

    <p>Less time below critical pH reduces caries risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of demineralisation of enamel begins when lactic acid is produced as a byproduct of which dietary component?

    <p>Sugars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pH level indicates a high risk of caries development?

    <p>Below 5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to enamel if the demineralisation process continues unchecked over time?

    <p>It becomes porous and develops white spot lesions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following sugars can quickly lower the pH of dental plaque?

    <p>Fructose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the frequency of sugar consumption play in dental caries development?

    <p>Higher frequency of sugar consumption is linked to increased caries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do anaerobic bacteria play in dental plaque?

    <p>They thrive in low oxygen environments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one important aspect of saliva function in dental health?

    <p>It can return minerals to teeth when pH normalizes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacteria are primarily associated with caries development as pH decreases?

    <p>Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Dental Caries Aetiology

    • Dental caries is a localized chemical dissolution of a tooth surface caused by metabolic activity on fermentable carbohydrates in a microbial deposit (dental biofilm) covering a tooth surface.
    • Susceptible tooth surface: All dental hard tissues are susceptible, but some areas are more susceptible, like:
      • Pits and fissures
      • Smooth surfaces
      • Proximal areas
      • Ledges/Overhangs
    • Fermentable carbohydrates: Sugars provide the substrate for oral bacteria to metabolize and produce lactic acid.
      • Sucrose is the most rapidly metabolized sugar due to its quick conversion into extracellular polysaccharides.
      • Complex carbohydrates (starch) are not completely digested in the mouth, making them less cariogenic.
      • Intrinsic sugars are naturally occurring sugars found in unprocessed foods like fruit and vegetables.
      • Extrinsic sugars are not bound within a cell structure and include:
        • Glucose
        • Sucrose
        • Fructose
        • Starch
    • Time: The duration of exposure to fermentable carbohydrates is crucial.
      • Frequency: Regular consumption increases the time the tooth is exposed to acid, leading to a higher risk of caries.
      • Stephan Curve: Demonstrates how plaque pH drops rapidly after exposure to fermentable carbohydrates, causing significant demineralization.
    • Plaque Bacteria:
      • Plaque biofilm contains various bacteria.
      • Lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutans thrive in acidic environments, contributing to caries formation.
      • Anaerobic bacteria in deeper biofilm layers produce more lactic acid, further lowering pH and enhancing demineralization.
    • Critical pH: The point below which tooth tissue begins to lose minerals to saliva or plaque.
      • Enamel Critical pH: 5-5.5
      • Dentine Critical pH: 6-6.5
    • Evidence:
      • Orland (1954): Germ-free rats demonstrated that bacteria are necessary for caries development.
      • Orland (sugar-free diet): Sugar substrate is essential for caries formation.
      • Vipeholm Study (1952): Demonstrated that the type and frequency of sugar consumption influence caries risk.
      • Tristan de Cunha: Caries was prevalent on the island due to high sugar consumption.

    Summary of Caries Development

    • Caries develop on susceptible surfaces covered in plaque biofilm.
    • Sugar consumption fuels lactic acid production by oral bacteria.
    • Acid demineralizes enamel, releasing calcium ions into plaque.
    • Mutans streptococci are strongly associated with enamel caries.
    • Demineralization and remineralization are constantly occurring.
    • Frequent sugar intake favors demineralization and can lead to white spot lesions.

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    Related Documents

    Aetiology of Dental Caries PDF

    Description

    Explore the factors contributing to dental caries in this quiz. Learn about the roles of fermentable carbohydrates, susceptible tooth surfaces, and the impact of various sugars on tooth decay. Test your knowledge on the microbial aspects of dental health.

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