Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of glycosyltransferase produced by Streptococcus mutans?
What is the primary function of glycosyltransferase produced by Streptococcus mutans?
Which microorganism is primarily responsible for initiating dental caries?
Which microorganism is primarily responsible for initiating dental caries?
Which factor does NOT contribute to the susceptibility of a tooth to caries?
Which factor does NOT contribute to the susceptibility of a tooth to caries?
What component of the modern diet is most associated with the promotion of dental caries?
What component of the modern diet is most associated with the promotion of dental caries?
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Which bacteria is primarily involved in the progression of existing caries rather than initiation?
Which bacteria is primarily involved in the progression of existing caries rather than initiation?
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How does carbohydrate metabolism affect dental health?
How does carbohydrate metabolism affect dental health?
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What is the primary role of the dental plaque in caries development?
What is the primary role of the dental plaque in caries development?
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Which of the following factors is NOT included in the Caries Triad?
Which of the following factors is NOT included in the Caries Triad?
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Study Notes
Dental Caries: Definition & Etiology
- Dental caries is an infectious microbiological disease that causes localized dissolution and destruction of calcified tooth tissue.
- It's commonly referred to as tooth decay.
Key Factors for Caries Formation
- The Caries Triad: Microorganisms, Tooth, Diet
- Newburn's Tiroid: Plaque & microorganisms, Tooth, Diet, Time
Microbial Role in Caries
- Plaque: A sticky film containing microorganisms, water, and salivary proteins adheres to the tooth surface.
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Key Cariogenic Microorganisms:
- Streptococcus mutans: Initiates caries, acidogenic and aciduric, produces glycosyltransferase (breaks down sucrose to dextran, allowing bacteria to adhere to the tooth).
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: Involved in caries progression.
- Actinomyces viscosus: Responsible for root caries.
Tooth Role in Caries Formation
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Susceptibility: Non-self-cleanable areas are prone to caries due to stagnation of plaque.
- Pits and fissures: Formed during tooth development, found on occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars, buccal surfaces of mandibular molars, palatal surfaces of maxillary molars, and the lingual pits of maxillary incisors.
- Proximal surfaces: Below contact areas of teeth.
- Root surfaces: Exposed following gingival recession or defective restorations.
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Composition:
- Newly erupted enamel has an increased carbonate content, making it susceptible to caries.
- Post-eruptive maturation increases fluoride content, making the enamel more resistant to caries.
Diet Role in Caries Formation
- Modern Diet: Less fibrous, more refined and soft/sticky, promoting food stagnation.
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Carbohydrates: Cogenic materials (cause caries)
- Refined carbohydrates: Sucrose, fructose, and glucose, increase cogenic potential.
- Snacking: Increases frequency of carbohydrate exposure, promoting caries.
- Mechanism: Microorganisms metabolize carbohydrates (mainly sucrose) to produce lactic acid, which demineralizes teeth. Carbohydrate metabolism also produces dextran and levans, sticky substances that aid in plaque accumulation.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of dental caries, including its definition, causes, and the key factors contributing to tooth decay. Learn about the role of microorganisms, plaque, and dietary influences on the development of caries. Test your knowledge on the microbial agents involved and their effects on dental health.
