10 Dental Cariology Lecture
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Questions and Answers

What is essential for microorganisms to survive in the oral environment?

  • Ability to flow with saliva
  • Ability to adhere to oral surfaces (correct)
  • Ability to consume sugars
  • Ability to reproduce rapidly
  • Which types of areas are considered favorable for pathogenic biofilm growth?

  • Open spaces in the mouth
  • Areas exposed to air
  • Highly polished tooth surfaces
  • Pits and fissures (correct)
  • What role does saliva play in dental health?

  • It absorbs fermentable carbohydrates.
  • It destroys biofilm on tooth surfaces.
  • It provides a constant opportunity for remineralizing enamel. (correct)
  • It causes teeth to decay.
  • Which organism is primarily associated with adhering to oral surfaces?

    <p>Streptococcus mutans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are caries lesions most frequently found?

    <p>In the pits and fissures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group is most likely to have higher susceptibility to dental caries?

    <p>Individuals taking medications that decrease salivary production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of free-floating organisms in the mouth?

    <p>They are cleared rapidly by salivary flow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of professional tooth cleaning on biofilm?

    <p>It removes bacteria without destroying them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area of the teeth is NOT ideal for the accumulation of biofilm?

    <p>Exposed areas of enamel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do fermentable carbohydrates influence cariogenic biofilm?

    <p>High-frequency exposure produces cariogenic biofilm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to biofilm growth when fermentable carbohydrates are restricted?

    <p>Biofilm growth typically does not lead to caries. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do caries lesions signify in the context of dental health?

    <p>An underlying condition favoring demineralization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of professional tooth cleaning?

    <p>To control biofilm and prevent disease (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the composition of biofilm found on teeth?

    <p>Predominantly made up of bacteria, by-products, and water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following communities is found mainly in the gingival sulcus?

    <p>Complex community of filamentous and spiral bacteria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if only symptomatic treatment is provided for caries without addressing the underlying factors?

    <p>The underlying causes will worsen and disease progression continues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In relation to dental caries, what is the role of pathologic factors?

    <p>They lead to demineralization of tooth structure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes biofilm from regular dental plaque?

    <p>Biofilm consists of a more complex matrix of organisms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important aspect to consider when addressing dental caries in patients?

    <p>Understanding the role of multiple contributing factors is crucial (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How frequently does dental plaque form on the surface of teeth?

    <p>Every 12 hours (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does an imbalance between protective and pathologic factors result in?

    <p>Increased risk of dental caries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key roles of saliva in relation to dental health?

    <p>To act as a natural anticaries agent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism allows saliva to clear bacteria from the oral cavity?

    <p>Flushing effect of salivary flow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary component that gives saliva its buffering capacity?

    <p>Bicarbonate ions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a protective mechanism of saliva?

    <p>Enzymatic digestion of tissues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following salivary components has antibacterial activity?

    <p>Lysozyme (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does saliva contribute to tooth remineralization?

    <p>By supplying calcium and phosphate ions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do buffers in saliva have on dental health?

    <p>They neutralize acids and reduce acid formation potential (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of biofilm does professional tooth cleaning aim to control?

    <p>Harmful plaque (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of professional tooth cleaning?

    <p>To control biofilm (plaque) and prevent disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the pH of the mouth after eating something?

    <p>It drops below the critical point of 5.5 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long does it take for saliva to return the mouth to a safe pH level after eating?

    <p>30-40 minutes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the risk associated with prolonged snacking?

    <p>Extended time under acidic conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the critical pH level that should be maintained to prevent dental caries?

    <p>Above 5.5 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes dental caries as an infectious disease?

    <p>It can be transmitted through saliva. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the critical pH level for enamel demineralization?

    <p>5.5 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes is essential for caries management?

    <p>Remineralization and demineralization balance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cariogenic bacteria metabolize which type of nutrient to produce acidic byproducts?

    <p>Refined carbohydrates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to calcium and phosphate during a low pH state in tooth biofilm?

    <p>They are lost to the biofilm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT contribute to the risk of dental caries?

    <p>High calcium intake. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of saliva in the context of dental caries?

    <p>It can help in the remineralization process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the incubation period in the context of dental caries?

    <p>Time between infection and the first symptoms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Dental Caries

    An infectious oral disease of teeth causing localized dissolution and destruction of calcified tissue.

    Multifactorial Disease

    A disease with multiple causes.

    Cariogenic Bacteria

    Bacteria that feed on sugars and produce acids that damage tooth enamel.

    Demineralization

    The process of minerals being lost from the tooth structure due to low pH.

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    Remineralization

    The process of adding minerals back to the partially demineralized tooth.

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    Critical pH for enamel

    A pH of 5.5 in the biofilm, where enamel starts to lose minerals.

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    Infectious Disease

    A disease that can be transmitted from one organism to another.

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    Caries Management

    The actions taken to prevent or control tooth decay.

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    Caries Lesions

    Cavities in teeth that indicate an imbalance between protective and destructive factors, favoring the latter.

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    Protective Factors

    Factors that help prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of teeth, like saliva, fluoride, and good oral hygiene.

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    Pathologic Factors

    Factors that contribute to demineralization of teeth, like sugary diet, poor oral hygiene, and certain bacterial species.

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    Biofilm

    A thin, sticky layer of bacteria, their byproducts, and other substances, found on tooth surfaces.

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    Dental Plaque

    A historical term for biofilm, now replaced with 'biofilm' in modern dentistry.

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    Multiple Factors in Caries

    Dental caries is a complex disease influenced by various factors, making its cause and prevention challenging.

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    Importance of Identifying Causes

    Treating the underlying causes of caries is vital for preventing its recurrence.

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    Difficult to Differentiate Caries Stages

    The stages of caries can be challenging to distinguish clinically, making early detection difficult.

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    Supersaturated Saliva

    Saliva that contains more minerals than it can normally hold, offering a constant chance for enamel to regain lost minerals.

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    Caries Susceptibility

    The likelihood of developing tooth decay, often increased when saliva production is reduced.

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    Biofilm Control

    The main purpose of professional teeth cleanings - to remove plaque and prevent disease.

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    Fermentable Carbohydrates

    Sugars that bacteria love to eat, producing acids that harm teeth.

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    Cleaning Disrupts Biofilm

    Brushing and flossing disturb the harmful bacteria clinging to the enamel surface.

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    Tooth Surface Adhesion

    Microorganisms need to stick to tooth surfaces to survive in the mouth. Saliva and swallowing clear away free-floating bacteria.

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    Streptococci

    A type of bacteria very good at adhering to tooth surfaces, often found in tooth decay.

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    Tooth Habitats for Biofilm

    Specific areas on teeth where bacteria can easily build up and cause problems.

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    Pits and Fissures

    Tiny grooves on the chewing surface of teeth, hard to clean, a favorite hiding spot for bacteria.

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    Gingival Sulcus

    The space between the tooth and the gum, another place where bacteria can easily build up.

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    Root Surfaces

    The part of the tooth below the gum line, also vulnerable to bacterial buildup.

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    Biofilm (Plaque)

    A sticky film made of bacteria that builds up on teeth, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

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    Professional Tooth Cleaning

    Helps to remove biofilm and prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

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    Saliva's Role in Dental Health

    Saliva acts as a natural defense against tooth decay by flushing away bacteria, providing antibacterial substances, neutralizing acids, and promoting remineralization.

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    What is the flushing effect?

    The continuous flow of saliva helps wash away bacteria and food debris, particularly those not attached to the teeth.

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    Saliva's Antibacterial Power

    Saliva contains substances like lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, and lactoferrin that kill or inhibit bacteria.

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    Saliva's Buffering Action

    Saliva helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria, preventing them from damaging tooth enamel.

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    Remineralization: Tooth Repair

    Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphate, which can be reabsorbed into partially demineralized tooth enamel.

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    Why is professional cleaning important?

    Professional cleaning helps control plaque buildup and prevent disease by removing bacteria and promoting a healthy oral environment.

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    What are the key components of maintaining oral health?

    Maintaining a healthy oral environment requires regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and a balanced diet to control plaque formation and prevent tooth decay.

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    Dental Caries and Diet

    The frequency and duration of eating sugary foods directly influences the risk of dental caries. Frequent snacking extends the time your mouth's pH is below the critical point, hindering remineralization and increasing decay risk.

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    Remineralization Time

    Saliva helps to neutralize acids and raise the pH back to a safe level, allowing remineralization to occur. This process takes about 30-40 minutes.

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    Effect of Snacking Frequency

    Frequent snacking disrupts the natural remineralization cycle of the enamel. Each time you eat, the pH drops, and it takes time to recover. Frequent snacking reduces the time for remineralization.

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    Professional Cleaning's Role

    Professional cleaning aims to control biofilm (plaque) and prevent disease. By removing plaque, it helps keep the pH of the mouth stable, supporting remineralization and preventing caries.

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    Study Notes

    Dental Cariology Lecture

    • The lecture is about dental cariology, a 4-exam course with lots of questions and 4 clinical sessions.
    • The day is coming when preventive dentistry will replace reparative dentistry focusing on understanding the etiology and pathology of dental caries.
    • Dental caries is a multifactorial, transmissible, and infectious oral disease causing localized dissolution and destruction of calcified tissue.
    • Caries is caused by a combination of factors via saliva.
    • Characteristics of an infectious disease apply to dental caries, including a source of infection (bacteria), host resistance, transmission via media (saliva), recurrence if untreated, and an incubation period.
    • Cariogenic bacteria in the biofilm metabolize carbohydrates for energy, producing organic acids.
    • These acids lower biofilm pH below a critical level (5.5 for enamel, 6.2 for dentin), leading to demineralization.
    • Demineralization involves the tooth releasing calcium and phosphate into the biofilm to reach equilibrium, resulting in a net mineral loss.
    • When the pH in the biofilm returns to neutral and soluble calcium and phosphate levels are supersaturated, minerals are deposited back into the demineralized enamel, a process called remineralization.
    • The balance between demineralization and remineralization is crucial for caries management.
    • Caries lesions indicate an imbalance between pathologic and protective factors.
    • Factors involved in causing caries include primary factors (tooth anatomy, saliva, Biofilm pH, use of fluoride, diet, immune system, and genetic factors) and secondary factors (socioeconomic status, education, life-style, environment, age, ethnic group, and occupation).
    • Pathological factors that contribute to caries include frequent sugar consumption, inadequate fluoride intake, poor oral hygiene, and salivary dysfunction.
    • Protective factors include a healthy diet, brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, professional topical fluoride application, and maintenance- or preventive-therapeutic sealants and normal salivary function.
    • Symptomatic treatment is important, but addressing underlying causative factors is crucial for stopping the disease.
    • Caries lesions can be categorized as smooth-surface, pit-and-fissure, occlusal, proximal, enamel, dentin, coronal, and root caries.
    • Primary caries lesions are not adjacent to existing restorations or crowns, while secondary/recurrent caries lesions are.
    • Residual caries is carious tissue not completely excavated before a restoration is placed.
    • Active caries lesions show ongoing tooth demineralization during examination, while inactive/arrested caries have stopped but still have clinical signs.
    • Rampant caries describes widespread, multiple cavitated, active caries lesions.
    • Biofilm is a sticky film of bacteria, bacteria products, extracellular matrix, and water that accumulates on teeth.
    • Oral bacteria are unique to the oral environment. Survival depends on the ability to adhere to oral surfaces.
    • Saliva is a natural anticaries agent, clearing free-floating microorganisms via flow and frequent swallowing.
    • The salivary protective mechanisms maintaining oral flora include bacterial clearance, direct antibacterial activity, buffering, and remineralization.
    • Bacterial clearance maintains a healthy oral flora.
    • Direct antibacterial activity involves protective proteins such as lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, and agglutinins.
    • The buffering capacity of saliva, determined primarily by bicarbonate ion concentration, has the effect of neutralizing acids.
    • Saliva contains calcium and phosphate ions to remineralize enamel.
    • Individuals with reduced saliva production due to illness, medication, or irradiation are susceptible to higher caries rates.
    • Oral hygiene, including tooth brushing and flossing, removes oral bacteria from tooth surfaces but does not kill all of them; it only cleans them.
    • Frequent carbohydrate exposure, specifically sucrose, contributes to cariogenic biofilm production.
    • The Stephan Curve depicts how pH changes during the day.
    • It is important to understand that every time you consume something, there is a drop in the pH of the mouth and it takes 30-40 minutes for saliva to return to the healthy range.
    • The longer you snack, the longer you are at risk.

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    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts in dental cariology, including the etiology and pathology of dental caries. You will explore the multifactorial nature of caries, the role of cariogenic bacteria, and the importance of preventive measures in dentistry. Prepare to test your understanding of how dental caries affects oral health.

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