Dental Caries Overview

Dental Caries

• Untreated lesions can progress to pulp involvement, possibly causing an abscess.
• Tartar buildup can be observed at the base of teeth, alongside visible staining on crowns.
• Cavities require filling, typically with amalgam or composite materials.
• Prevention strategies include fluoride use to enhance tooth resistance, limiting dietary sucrose intake, and applying fissure sealants.

Periodontal Disease

• Affects over 80% of teenagers and adults, leading to significant tooth loss.
• Key symptoms involve gum inflammation and erosion of periodontal ligaments and supporting bone.
• Caused by various bacteria, including Streptococci and Porphyromonas.
• Gingivitis is the mildest form, progressing to periodontitis if untreated.
• Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (trench mouth) represents the most severe stage.

Rotavirus

• Significant contributor to infant morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries.
• Accounts for one-third of childhood deaths in certain regions, primarily spread through the fecal-oral route.
• Main symptoms include watery diarrhea and vomiting within 48 hours.
• Treatment focuses on fluid replacement; prevention includes sanitary practices and vaccination with Rotateq.

Food Poisoning

• Diagnosis involves laboratory tests like PCR, stool culturing, and microscopic examination.
• For intoxications, treatment may not be necessary except for symptom relief and fluid replacement.
• Bismuth subsalicylate may alleviate diarrhea but should not be used if fever or blood in stools is present.
• Prevention tactics encompass cooking food thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination, and practicing good hygiene.

Bacillary Dysentery (Shigellosis)

• Caused by various Shigella species, known for high infection rates and transmission through parenteral routes.
• Diagnosed via PCR testing; treatment includes peginterferon, ribavirin, and newer protease inhibitors.
• No vaccine available; condition is extremely infectious.

Hepatitis D and E

• Hepatitis D: Requires co-infection with Hepatitis B, leading to severe liver damage and higher mortality rates; diagnosed through IgM testing with no specific treatment available.
• Hepatitis E: Acquired via ingestion, presenting symptoms like those of Hepatitis A, with increased risk for pregnant women.

Mumps

• Caused by the mumps virus, transmitted through saliva and respiratory droplets.
• Initial replication occurs in the upper respiratory tract, followed by spread to the salivary glands.
• Symptoms include parotitis, headaches, malaise, and potential complications such as sterility and encephalitis.
• Prevented through vaccination with the MMR vaccine.

Ergot and Aflatoxin Poisoning

• Ergot Poisoning: Resulting from mycotoxins from Claviceps purpurea, affects grains, causing blood flow restriction and hallucinations.
• Aflatoxin Poisoning: Linked to Aspergillus flavus, primarily found in peanuts, can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Thrush (Oropharyngeal Candidiasis)

• Yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, affecting primarily newborns, children, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Symptoms include white patches, inflammation, and itching in the mouth.
• Diagnosis involves swabbing infected tissues; treated with oral antifungal agents like fluconazole.

Protozoan GI Diseases: Giardiasis

• Caused by Giardia lamblia, transmitted through contaminated water and food.
• Symptoms manifest as bowel inflammation, frothy diarrhea, and potential vitamin deficiencies.
• Diagnosis relies on stool appearance; treatment includes metronidazole and maintaining safe drinking water.

Amoebic Dysentery

• Triggered by Entamoeba histolytica, transmitted through fecal-oral routes via contaminated food or water.
• Symptoms range from mild abdominal pain to severe bloody stools and fever.
• Diagnosis includes stool samples; metronidazole is used for treatment, emphasizing the importance of water sanitation.

Cryptosporidiosis

• Characterized by severe watery diarrhea, caused by Cryptosporidium parvum.
• Management focuses on hydration and preventing outbreaks through sanitary practices.

This quiz covers key concepts related to dental caries, including the formation of lesions, the impact of tartar, and identification of decay through X-rays. Understand the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent abscess formation.