Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is defined as a localized, chemical dissolution of a tooth surface due to metabolic activity in a microbial deposit?
What is defined as a localized, chemical dissolution of a tooth surface due to metabolic activity in a microbial deposit?
Which component is NOT one of the four aetiological factors leading to dental caries?
Which component is NOT one of the four aetiological factors leading to dental caries?
What is a dental biofilm primarily composed of?
What is a dental biofilm primarily composed of?
Which of the following outcomes is essential for the prevention and treatment of dental caries?
Which of the following outcomes is essential for the prevention and treatment of dental caries?
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What role does a dental therapist have regarding dental caries?
What role does a dental therapist have regarding dental caries?
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What is a primary cause of dental caries?
What is a primary cause of dental caries?
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Which areas of the tooth are most susceptible to dental caries?
Which areas of the tooth are most susceptible to dental caries?
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What metabolic product do bacteria produce from fermentable carbohydrates that contributes to enamel dissolution?
What metabolic product do bacteria produce from fermentable carbohydrates that contributes to enamel dissolution?
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Which factor is NOT a component of the caries process?
Which factor is NOT a component of the caries process?
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How can dental caries be characterized in its initial stages?
How can dental caries be characterized in its initial stages?
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What is essential for plaque bacteria to thrive and produce acids that lead to caries?
What is essential for plaque bacteria to thrive and produce acids that lead to caries?
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Which of the following is a reversible effect of early dental caries?
Which of the following is a reversible effect of early dental caries?
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What is the main characteristic of a susceptible tooth surface?
What is the main characteristic of a susceptible tooth surface?
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What is the primary agent that causes enamel demineralisation on tooth surfaces?
What is the primary agent that causes enamel demineralisation on tooth surfaces?
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Which bacteria are most commonly associated with enamel caries?
Which bacteria are most commonly associated with enamel caries?
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What results from frequent consumption of sugar for tooth health?
What results from frequent consumption of sugar for tooth health?
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How did the Vipeholm study show the relationship between sugar type, frequency, and caries?
How did the Vipeholm study show the relationship between sugar type, frequency, and caries?
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What happens when sugar is consumed at a frequency lower than the critical threshold?
What happens when sugar is consumed at a frequency lower than the critical threshold?
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What was a consequence of the unethical aspects of the Vipeholm study?
What was a consequence of the unethical aspects of the Vipeholm study?
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Why is the presence of plaque biofilm significant in the development of caries?
Why is the presence of plaque biofilm significant in the development of caries?
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What effect does lactic acid have on the tooth surface?
What effect does lactic acid have on the tooth surface?
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Which type of carbohydrates are most rapidly metabolised to produce extracellular polysaccharides?
Which type of carbohydrates are most rapidly metabolised to produce extracellular polysaccharides?
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What distinguishes intrinsic sugars from extrinsic sugars?
What distinguishes intrinsic sugars from extrinsic sugars?
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Which statement is true about complex carbohydrates like starch?
Which statement is true about complex carbohydrates like starch?
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What happens to the tooth structure when the pH becomes critical?
What happens to the tooth structure when the pH becomes critical?
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Why are simple sugars considered cariogenic?
Why are simple sugars considered cariogenic?
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Which of the following is an example of extrinsic sugar?
Which of the following is an example of extrinsic sugar?
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What is the primary consequence of an acidic pH in the mouth?
What is the primary consequence of an acidic pH in the mouth?
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Which carbohydrate is primarily found in foods such as bread and rice?
Which carbohydrate is primarily found in foods such as bread and rice?
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What pH levels indicate a critical threshold for enamel to prevent demineralisation?
What pH levels indicate a critical threshold for enamel to prevent demineralisation?
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When the pH falls below the critical pH for dentine, what is the predominant process occurring?
When the pH falls below the critical pH for dentine, what is the predominant process occurring?
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What is a significant factor influencing the risk of caries related to time?
What is a significant factor influencing the risk of caries related to time?
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According to the Stephan Curve, what effect does exposure to fermentable sugars have on dental plaque pH?
According to the Stephan Curve, what effect does exposure to fermentable sugars have on dental plaque pH?
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Why is it important for saliva to return the minerals to the tooth?
Why is it important for saliva to return the minerals to the tooth?
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Which of the following microorganisms is most associated with the caries process when pH decreases?
Which of the following microorganisms is most associated with the caries process when pH decreases?
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What is the minimum suggested time interval between acid attacks to reduce caries risk?
What is the minimum suggested time interval between acid attacks to reduce caries risk?
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What happens to the microbial population in biofilms as the pH decreases?
What happens to the microbial population in biofilms as the pH decreases?
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Study Notes
Aetiology of Dental Caries
- Dental caries is a localized chemical dissolution of a tooth surface, caused by metabolic activity within a microbial deposit (dental biofilm) on the tooth surface.
- The process is influenced by several factors, including the susceptibility of the tooth surface, the presence of fermentable carbohydrates, and the presence of specific bacteria.
- Caries begins with the demineralization of tooth tissues.
- The process is often localized and reversible during the initial stages.
- The progression can lead to extensive damage and tooth loss if untreated.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain aetiology and pathogenesis of oral disease.
- Recognise psychological and sociological factors contributing to poor oral health, the course of diseases, and success of treatment.
- Discuss the importance of each component of the patient assessment process.
- Explain the role of a dental therapist in restoration of teeth.
- Define dental caries.
- Explain the aetiology of dental caries.
- List and describe the four key aetiological factors leading to dental caries.
Four Aetiological Factors
- Susceptible tooth surface: Some tooth areas are more prone to decay due to factors such as pits and fissures, smooth surfaces, and proximal areas.
- Fermentable carbohydrates: Sugars and starches provide nutrients for bacteria to produce acids, leading to demineralization. Not all carbohydrates are equally cariogenic. Simple sugars are more cariogenic than complex carbohydrates. Intrinsic sugars are naturally present in foods, while extrinsic sugars are added to foods.
- Plaque bacteria: Specific types of bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli, promote the metabolic processes that cause decay. These bacteria thrive on fermentable carbohydrates and produce acids.
- Time: The frequency and duration of exposure to fermentable carbohydrates affects the process of demineralization. Frequent exposure results in more prolonged acidic conditions, increasing the risk of decay.
Why Teeth are Lost
- Caries
- Periodontal disease
- Trauma
- Elective (i.e., extracted due to necessity for treatment)
The Burden of Dental Caries
- The average cost of a tooth extraction for a child aged five and under is £836.
- In 2015-2016, £50.5m was spent on tooth extractions among those aged under 19.
- £7.8m was spent on tooth extractions among those aged under 5.
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