Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is dental caries primarily caused by?
What is dental caries primarily caused by?
Which of the following areas is most susceptible to dental caries due to plaque accumulation?
Which of the following areas is most susceptible to dental caries due to plaque accumulation?
Which carbohydrate is most metabolized by oral bacteria leading to dental caries?
Which carbohydrate is most metabolized by oral bacteria leading to dental caries?
What is referred to as the 'restorative spiral' in dental caries?
What is referred to as the 'restorative spiral' in dental caries?
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Which of the following is a possible sequela of untreated dental caries?
Which of the following is a possible sequela of untreated dental caries?
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In which condition do patients experience pulp symptoms that last long periods?
In which condition do patients experience pulp symptoms that last long periods?
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What determines the risk of developing dental caries according to Stephen's curve?
What determines the risk of developing dental caries according to Stephen's curve?
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Which of the following is a reversible condition associated with dental caries?
Which of the following is a reversible condition associated with dental caries?
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What is a direct consequence of allowing caries to progress?
What is a direct consequence of allowing caries to progress?
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How are fermentable carbohydrates related to dental caries?
How are fermentable carbohydrates related to dental caries?
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Study Notes
Dental Caries Definition
- Dental caries is a progressive disease affecting dental hard tissues (enamel, dentin, cementum).
- Initially reversible, it's caused by bacteria metabolizing fermentable carbohydrates in plaque.
Aetiological Factors of Dental Caries
-
Susceptible Tooth Surfaces: Areas prone to plaque accumulation are more susceptible.
- Pits/fissures
- Smooth surfaces
- Proximal surfaces
- Defective margins/ledges/overhangs
-
Fermentable Carbohydrates:
- Sugars (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose) provide food for oral bacteria.
- These bacteria produce lactic acid, contributing to the demineralization process.
Evidence for Aetiologies
- Stephen's Curve: Frequent exposure to fermentable carbohydrates leads to more demineralization and higher caries risk. Infrequent exposure results in less demineralization
Sequelae of Dental Caries
- Sequelae Definition: A condition resulting from a previous disease or injury.
-
Sequelae of Dental Caries:
- Aesthetic concerns
- Sensitivity
- Reversible pulpitis
- Irreversible pulpitis
- Apical periodontitis
- Acute dental abscess
- Cellulitis
- Root canal treatment/extraction
Restorative Spiral
- The "restorative spiral" describes the cycle of repeated restorative treatments for progressing caries, eventually leading to weakening/loss of the tooth.
Progression of Caries
-
Untreated Caries: Can lead to:
- Direct restoration
- Cusp fracture
- Indirect restoration
- Extraction
- Impaired function
-
Pulp Health Stages:
-
Reversible Pulpitis:
- Symptoms (e.g., short, sharp pain) resolve quickly with the stimulus removal.
- Pain is not constant, and doesn't keep the patient awake.
- Inflammation of superficial pulp tissues.
-
Irreversible Pulpitis:
- Symptoms (e.g., prolonged, throbbing pain) do not resolve quickly with stimulus removal.
- Pain is constant, and keeps the patient awake.
- Irreversible inflammation/necrosis of pulp tissue.
- Pain is worsened by heat (swollen pulp) and relieved by cold (shrinking pulp).
-
Reversible Pulpitis:
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Description
Explore the definition, aetiological factors, and sequelae of dental caries. Learn how the disease progresses and the impact of fermentable carbohydrates on dental health. This quiz will test your understanding of dental caries and its implications.
