Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is dental caries primarily caused by?
What is dental caries primarily caused by?
- Excessive brushing of teeth
- Poor oral hygiene practices
- Bacteria acting on fermentable carbohydrates (correct)
- Excessive fluoride in the diet
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?
- Buccal surfaces
- Lingual surfaces
- Proximal surfaces (correct)
- Occlusal surfaces
Which carbohydrate is most metabolized by oral bacteria leading to dental caries?
Which carbohydrate is most metabolized by oral bacteria leading to dental caries?
- Galactose
- Sucrose (correct)
- Lactose
- Maltose
What is referred to as the 'restorative spiral' in dental caries?
What is referred to as the 'restorative spiral' in dental caries?
Which of the following is a possible sequela of untreated dental caries?
Which of the following is a possible sequela of untreated dental caries?
In which condition do patients experience pulp symptoms that last long periods?
In which condition do patients experience pulp symptoms that last long periods?
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?
Which of the following is a reversible condition associated with dental caries?
Which of the following is a reversible condition associated with dental caries?
What is a direct consequence of allowing caries to progress?
What is a direct consequence of allowing caries to progress?
How are fermentable carbohydrates related to dental caries?
How are fermentable carbohydrates related to dental caries?
Flashcards
Dental caries
Dental caries
A progressive disease of the hard tissues of teeth (enamel, dentine, cementum) caused by bacterial action on fermentable carbohydrates in plaque biofilm.
Susceptible tooth surface
Susceptible tooth surface
Areas of the tooth prone to caries, including pits, fissures, smooth surfaces, and proximal areas.
Fermentable carbohydrate
Fermentable carbohydrate
Sugars in the diet that provide food for bacteria to produce lactic acid, which demineralizes tooth enamel.
Sequelae
Sequelae
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Restorative spiral
Restorative spiral
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Reversible pulpitis
Reversible pulpitis
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Irreversible pulpitis
Irreversible pulpitis
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Pulpal symptoms
Pulpal symptoms
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Stephen’s curve
Stephen’s curve
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Dental caries progression
Dental caries progression
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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.
