Dental Caries Etiology and Pathogenesis

Study Notes

Bacterial role: Caries is caused by the interaction of bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans, with fermentable carbohydrates
Fermentable carbohydrates: Sugars, especially sucrose, are converted into acid by bacteria, leading to demineralization of tooth enamel
Other factors: Inadequate oral hygiene, inadequate saliva flow, and genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of caries

Demineralization: Acid production by bacteria leads to the loss of minerals (calcium and phosphate) from tooth enamel
Remineralization: Saliva helps to remineralize tooth enamel, but if the process of demineralization is faster, caries develops
Progression: Caries can progress through the enamel, dentin, and eventually pulp, leading to pain and potentially, pulp necrosis

Early childhood caries: Caries in children under the age of 6, often associated with prolonged bottle feeding or frequent consumption of sugary snacks
Pit and fissure caries: Caries that develop in the pits and fissures of teeth, often difficult to clean and prone to decay
Smooth surface caries: Caries that develop on the smooth surfaces of teeth, often associated with poor oral hygiene
Root caries: Caries that develop on the roots of teeth, often associated with gum recession and poor oral hygiene

Visual examination: Visual inspection of teeth for signs of decay, such as discoloration or cavitation
Radiographic examination: X-rays or other imaging techniques to detect decay in between teeth or beneath the surface of the enamel
Probing: Gentle probing of teeth with a dental instrument to detect softness or decay

Good oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria
Fluoride: Use of fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, or community water fluoridation to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization
Dietary modifications: Reducing sugar consumption and frequency of sugary snacks
Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental visits to detect and treat caries early, preventing progression and complications

Streptococcus mutans bacteria play a crucial role in causing caries, interacting with fermentable carbohydrates
Fermentable carbohydrates, such as sugars, are converted into acid by bacteria, leading to demineralization of tooth enamel
Inadequate oral hygiene, low saliva flow, and genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of caries

Acid production by bacteria leads to demineralization of tooth enamel, resulting in the loss of minerals (calcium and phosphate)
Saliva helps to remineralize tooth enamel, but if demineralization is faster, caries develops
Caries can progress through the enamel, dentin, and eventually pulp, causing pain and potentially leading to pulp necrosis

Early childhood caries occurs in children under 6, often associated with prolonged bottle feeding or frequent consumption of sugary snacks
Pit and fissure caries develop in the pits and fissures of teeth, making it difficult to clean and prone to decay
Smooth surface caries occur on the smooth surfaces of teeth, often associated with poor oral hygiene
Root caries develop on the roots of teeth, often associated with gum recession and poor oral hygiene

Visual examination involves inspecting teeth for signs of decay, such as discoloration or cavitation
Radiographic examination uses X-rays or other imaging techniques to detect decay in between teeth or beneath the surface of the enamel
Probing involves gentle probing of teeth with a dental instrument to detect softness or decay

Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, remove plaque and bacteria
Fluoride helps prevent demineralization and promotes remineralization through the use of fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, or community water fluoridation
Dietary modifications, such as reducing sugar consumption and frequency of sugary snacks, can help prevent caries
Regular dental check-ups can detect and treat caries early, preventing progression and complications