Dental Hygiene: Soft and Hard Deposits

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary composition of the acquired pellicle?

Enzymes and food debris

Proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids (correct)

Mineral salts and bacteria

Lipids and water

Which statement best describes dental biofilm?

It is a loosely adherent mass of organic debris.

It can only develop on restored teeth.

It is a hard substance primarily composed of calcium phosphate.

It forms dense, organized bacterial communities on tooth surfaces. (correct)

What happens to dental biofilm if it is not removed within 1-3 days?

It becomes hardened calculus. (correct)

It becomes indistinguishable from the tooth surface.

It dissolves in saliva.

It transforms into food debris.

Which area is most commonly associated with calculus buildup?

Lingual of mandibular anterior Signup and view all the answers

How does food debris differ from dental biofilm?

Food debris is loosely attached, while dental biofilm is organized. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pellicle play in the formation of tooth deposits?

It provides proteins that facilitate microorganism adhesion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Materia Alba in dental hygiene?

It is a loosely adherent mass that can contribute to periodontal disease. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes how stains can be incorporated into teeth?

Stains can be directly adhered, contained in pellicle, or incorporated within the tooth. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stain is specifically acquired during tooth development and cannot be removed?

Tetracycline stain Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT primarily used for the detection of tooth deposits?

Crown scaling Signup and view all the answers

What dietary change is recommended to reduce the risk of dental disease?

Consume raw vegetables as snacks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method used for plaque and stain removal specifically from the coronal surface of teeth?

Coronal polishing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stain occurs after tooth eruption and may be either intrinsic or extrinsic?

Amalgam staining Signup and view all the answers

Which technique primarily uses a handpiece and a slurry of sodium bicarbonate for cleaning?

Air polishing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of oral prophylaxis?

Complete removal of calculus and plaque Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to evaluate biofilm accumulation and is recommended for treatment documentation?

Biofilm scoring Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Soft Deposits

Soft deposits can build up on teeth due to the presence of acquired pellicle, dental biofilm, materia alba, and food debris.
The acquired pellicle is a thin film formed by proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids that provides a surface for bacterial attachment.
Dental biofilm is a sticky, colorless bacterial community that adheres to the pellicle and hides between teeth and under the gumline.
It can become yellow as it matures and produces acid that attacks teeth and gingiva, contributing to demineralization.
Materia alba is a loosely attached mass of debris and bacteria that sits on top of dental biofilm.
Food debris is loosely attached particulate matter.

Hard Deposits: Calculus

Calculus forms when dental biofilm is not removed within 24-72 hours and becomes mineralized by calcium phosphate salts from saliva.
It cannot be brushed off and is covered with a layer of non-mineralized biofilm.
It can occur both above (supragingival) and below (subgingival) the gum line.
Approximately 68% of adults have calculus.
Calculus can lead to gum recession and bone loss, contributing to periodontal disease.

Formation of Tooth Deposits

Tooth deposits begin with pellicle formation, which provides a surface for bacteria to adhere.
Initial adhesion involves bacteria attaching to the pellicle on the tooth surface.
Maturation occurs as microcolonies of bacteria form, creating a food chain.
Detachment and dispersion occur as bacterial colonies release cells to spread to other areas of the mouth.

Dental Stains

Dental stains can be acquired in three ways:
- by directly adhering to the tooth surface or restoration.
- by being contained within the pellicle or calculus.
- by being incorporated within the tooth structure or restoration.

Endogenous Stains

Endogenous stains are acquired during tooth development and systemic disturbances.
They cannot be removed.
Examples include fluorosis, tetracycline stain, and enamel hypoplasia.

Exogenous Stains

Exogenous stains occur after tooth eruption.
They can be intrinsic (within the tooth structure) or extrinsic (on the exterior of the tooth surface).
Examples of intrinsic stains include pulp infections, antibiotic-induced stains, tooth decay, and amalgam staining.

Dental Disease

Tooth deposits contribute to dental caries and periodontal disease.

Nutrition and Dental Disease Prevention

Consuming a healthy diet can help prevent dental disease.
Examples of beneficial foods for dental health include fruits high in vitamin C, dairy products, hard and soft foods, raw vegetables, and fruits as desserts.
Reducing sugar intake can also help prevent dental problems.

Oral Prophylaxis

Oral prophylaxis involves the complete removal of calculus, debris, stains, and plaque from the teeth.

Methods of Detection of Tooth Deposits

Direct Vision: Yellow, green, or tobacco stains can be observed with the naked eye. Thick biofilm can make teeth appear dull with a matted fur-like texture. Materia alba or food debris may also be visible.
Explorer or Probe: Using an explorer or probe can disrupt biofilm on the tooth surface.
Disclosing Agent: Applying a disclosing agent reveals biofilm.
Clinical Record: A biofilm record is useful for documenting initial accumulation, treatment, and follow-up appointments. A biofilm score can document the location and thickness of biofilm.

Methods of Soft Deposit Removal

Coronal Polishing: Removes plaque and stain from the coronal surface of teeth using a low-speed handpiece with a prophy angle, rubber cup, and abrasive agent.

Methods of Stain Removal

Rubber Cup Polishing: The most common method utilizes rubber cups with various grits of polishing paste (coarse, medium, fine).
Air Polishing: Uses a special handpiece and a slurry of sodium bicarbonate to remove stains and control abrasion. It can be used to clean stains from pits and fissures before placing sealants.

Methods of Hard Deposit Removal

Scaling: Performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to remove calculus, either above or below the gum line.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the formation and implications of soft and hard deposits on teeth, including acquired pellicle, dental biofilm, and calculus. Understand the differences between soft deposits like materia alba and hard deposits such as calculus and their effects on dental health.