Aetiology of Dental Caries

A localized, chemical dissolution of tooth enamel caused by metabolic activity of bacteria in dental plaque.

Dental plaque, sugar, susceptible tooth surface, and time.

The process by which bacteria in plaque break down sugars, producing acids that attack tooth enamel.

The outer layer of a tooth, made of hard, mineralized tissue.

A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.

A process where dental hard tissues (enamel, dentin, and cementum) are gradually broken down due to the activity of bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates in plaque.

The earliest stages of dental caries are potentially reversible, meaning tooth structure can be restored with proper treatment.

Fermentable carbohydrates are sugars that bacteria in plaque can metabolize, producing acid that damages tooth enamel.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, serving as a breeding ground for cariogenic bacteria.

Areas of a tooth that are more susceptible to caries due to their anatomical characteristics or structural weaknesses.

Pits and fissures, proximal surfaces, smooth surfaces, and margins are areas more prone to caries due to their structure and retention of plaque and sugars.

The time it takes for caries to develop depends on factors like frequency of sugar exposure, individual susceptibility, and plaque accumulation.

Caries is a localized process where bacteria in plaque break down sugars, producing acids that dissolve tooth enamel.

Sugars that are naturally found in unprocessed foods, like fruits and vegetables.

Sugars that are added to foods during processing, such as table sugar in baked goods.

The process of tooth enamel losing minerals due to acidic conditions.

The pH level at which tooth enamel starts to dissolve.

The pH at which minerals start dissolving from the tooth enamel.

The pH at which minerals start dissolving from the dentin.

Frequency of eating sugary foods or drinks throughout the day.

A graph showing the pH changes in dental plaque over time.

Bacteria that thrive in acidic environments and contribute to tooth decay.

Bacteria in plaque metabolize sugars, producing acids that damage tooth enamel.

When sugar is consumed frequently, more calcium ions are lost from the tooth enamel than are replaced, leading to demineralization.

Anaerobic bacteria, like mutans streptococci, thrive in the plaque biofilm and contribute to the development of caries by producing lactic acid.

The Vipeholm study showed that the frequency of sugar consumption, as well as the type of sugar, significantly impacts the development of caries.

The Orland studies highlighted the crucial role of bacteria and fermentable carbohydrates in causing caries.

The critical pH for enamel demineralization is around 5.5. When the pH drops below this level, enamel begins to dissolve.

The remineralization/demineralization process is a delicate balance influenced by the frequency of sugar intake, saliva composition, and the presence of fluoride.

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like mutans streptococci.