Dental Health: Caries, Embrasures & Aids

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Questions and Answers

What 3 bacteria are prevalent for dental caries?

Actinomyces, Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacilli

What are embrasures?

Spaces between teeth.

How many classes of embrasures are there?

What is Class 1 embrasure?

Normal embrasure space. Flossing is best for this class. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class 2 embrasure?

Losing papillae between the teeth. No bone loss. Interdental brushes are the best aid for this type. Signup and view all the answers

What should interdental brushes do?

They should fill the embrasure space (be slightly larger). Signup and view all the answers

What is Class 3 embrasure?

Larger space. Recession is present as well as bone loss. Signup and view all the answers

How many classes of furcations are there?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is Class 1 furcation?

Can feel small indentation with instrument. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class 2 furcation?

Probe can enter furcation partly. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class 3 furcation?

Probe can completely enter furcation. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class 4 furcation?

Probe can get completely through furcation & there is recession. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biological seal?

The soft tissue gingiva seals around the implant. Signup and view all the answers

What does osseointegration mean?

The desired union between bone & an implant. No mobility. Signup and view all the answers

What does mobility mean with an implant?

It's a failed union. Signup and view all the answers

When does fluoride inhibit bacterial activities?

Immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of fluoride?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Does fluoride bond better to smooth or rough surfaces?

Smooth Signup and view all the answers

What is the emergency treatment for acute toxic fluoride?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to assess someone's productivity in oral health?

Their biofilm removal. Signup and view all the answers

What aid is best for bridges and implants?

Water Pic, superfloss is good for bridges. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we use interdental aids?

Because toothbrushes can't reach in the interdental space. Signup and view all the answers

Where can a toothbrush reach?

Occlusal, facial, lingual. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when choosing interdental space?

Furcations, embrasures, dexterity. Signup and view all the answers

What is VSC?

Volatile Sulfur Compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What are stim-u-dents used for?

Interdental areas with exposed root surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is a toothpick in holder used for?

Good for exposed class 4 furcation, GM, Above Ortho. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an end tuft brush?

Good for hard to access areas, crowded teeth, 3rd molar, open embrasures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Charters method used for?

Good for orthodontics, crowns, bridges, implants. Good for cleaning interproximal. Signup and view all the answers

Who regulates bottled water and tap water?

Bottled: FDA; Tap: EPA. Signup and view all the answers

How is fluorapatite created?

Fluoride ion replaces hydroxyapatite, creating fluorapatite. Signup and view all the answers

What is fluorosis?

Too much fluoride. Only happens systematically BEFORE eruption. Signup and view all the answers

What does fluoride attract into the tooth?

Calcium & phosphate. Signup and view all the answers

What techniques should be used for professional fluoride treatment?

Gels, solutions, foams, varnishes, prophet paste, trays, rinse, paint on. Signup and view all the answers

What is the certainly lethal dose (CLD)?

Certainly lethal dose. Signup and view all the answers

What part of the tooth has the greatest concentration of fluoride?

Enamel. Hypomineralized absorbs in greater quantities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dental Caries and Bacteria

Prevalent Bacteria: Actinomyces, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacilli are key bacteria involved in the development of dental caries.

Embrasures

Definition: Embrasures are the spaces between adjacent teeth.
Classes of Embrasures: There are three classes of embrasures which differ in shape and characteristics.
- Class 1: Normal embrasure space; best cleaned with floss.
- Class 2: Characterized by loss of papillae without bone loss; interdental brushes are the most effective cleaning aid.
- Class 3: Larger spaces with recession and bone loss present.

Interdental Aids

General Guidance: Interdental aids should fill the embrasure space and be slightly larger.
Best Aids: Water pic is ideal for bridges and implants, while superfloss is suggested specifically for bridges.

Furcations

Classes of Furcations: Four classes indicating the extent of probe accessibility and recession presence.
- Class 1: Small indentation detectable with an instrument.
- Class 2: Probe partially enters the furcation.
- Class 3: Probe completely enters the furcation.
- Class 4: Probe completely passes through the furcation with visible recession.

Implants and Biological Considerations

Biological Seal: It refers to soft tissue sealing around the implant, which is essential for implant health.
Osseointegration: Describes the successful union between bone and an implant without mobility, indicating a successful integration.

Fluoride Usage

Inhibition of Bacterial Activity: Fluoride inhibits bacterial activity immediately upon application.
Topical vs. Systemic: Systemic fluoride promotes mineralization of developing teeth through dietary sources, while topical fluoride aids in enamel maturation after eruption.
Surface Preferences: Fluoride bonds more effectively to smooth surfaces than to rough surfaces.

Emergency Procedures

Treatment for Acute Toxic Fluoride: Induce vomiting, contact emergency services, use fluoride bonding agents like milk, and follow basic life support procedures.

Oral Health Assessments

Productivity: Effectiveness in oral health can be gauged by the efficiency of biofilm removal.

Interdental Space Considerations

Selecting Interdental Aids: Factors include furcations, embrasures, and user dexterity.

Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC)

Cause of Halitosis: VSCs, which form as oral microorganisms degrade proteins, are the primary contributors to bad breath.

Oral Hygiene Tools

Stim-U-Dent: Effective for cleaning interdental areas with exposed root surfaces.
End Tuft Brush: Suitable for hard-to-reach areas, such as crowded teeth and open embrasures.
Charters Method: Beneficial for cleaning around orthodontics and for various restorations.

Fluoride Regulation and Sources

Regulatory Bodies: Bottled water regulation is handled by the FDA, while tap water is regulated by the EPA.
Fluoride Sources: Obtained through food, fluoridated water, and processed foods.

Fluoride Benefits and Risks

Fluorosis: Results from excessive fluoride absorption during tooth development, resulting in enamel defects such as white flecks and pitting.
Fluoride Forms: Includes sodium fluoride, acidulated phosphate fluoride, and stannous fluoride, each with distinct applications and effectiveness.

Conclusion on Fluoride

Fluoride's Role: Facilitates remineralization by attracting calcium and phosphate into the tooth structure, boosting resistance to decay.

Special Techniques and Aids

Fluoride Treatments: Professional treatments can utilize gels, foams, and varnishes, each with varying ppm levels to maximize efficacy.
Substantivity: Describes fluoride’s ability to bind to the pellicle, biofilm, and tooth structure, allowing gradual release over time for sustained benefit.

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Description

This quiz delves into the relationship between bacteria and dental caries, the classification of embrasures, and the various interdental aids available for oral hygiene. Learn about the critical bacteria that contribute to caries, the different types of embrasures, and the best aids for maintaining dental health.