Dental Caries Classification Quiz

Classification of Dental Caries

• Dental lesions can be classified as cavitated (physical hole in the tooth) or non-cavitated.
• Lesions should also be classified based on their activity level.
• Active lesions are those that are progressively worsening, while inactive (or arrested) lesions have not changed for a significant period.

Early Signs of Dental Caries

• White spot lesions are the initial signs of caries, visible on enamel, characterized by a white and opaque appearance.
• An arrested white spot lesion might exist for years without progression, making its classification as "early" potentially misleading.

Types of Caries

• Rampant caries refers to multiple active lesions in a single patient, often on surfaces not typically affected by caries (e.g., bottle or nursing caries in children).
• Hidden caries are located in dentine, often undetected visually, but identifiable through radiographic examination due to significant demineralization.

Development of Caries Lesions

• Caries can develop in protected areas such as pits, grooves, fissures on occlusal surfaces during tooth eruption, and areas along gingival margins.
• Lesions often occur around foreign body insertions like fillings or orthodontic brackets, which shield them from mechanical cleaning influences.

Factors Influencing Caries Development

• The rate of caries development can vary across different parts of the mouth.
• Openings of major salivary glands contribute to increased buffering capacity, aiding in mineral balance.

Biological Mechanism of Caries

• Caries result from an ecological shift within the dental biofilm, altering the balance between tooth minerals and biofilm fluid.
• Enhanced acid production leads to demineralization when the biofilm pH drops below a critical threshold.
• Conversely, remineralization occurs when the biofilm pH is elevated, highlighting the cyclical nature of the process.

Remineralization and Demineralization Cycle

• The demineralization and remineralization processes occur multiple times daily.
• Continuous fluctuations can disrupt the equilibrium between tooth mineral and biofilm fluid, contributing to the potential development of caries over time.

Test your knowledge on classifying dental caries lesions based on cavitated and non-cavitated types, as well as activity levels. Explore the features and assessment criteria for determining the status of dental caries lesions.