Histopathology of Dental Caries

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component that enamel caries primarily affects?

Dentin

Cementum

Enamel (correct)

Root

Which type of caries is characterized by its occurrence at the root of the tooth?

Secondary caries

Dentin caries

Enamel caries

Root caries (correct)

Which theory of dental caries emphasizes the role of specific microorganisms in its development?

The plaque theory

The germ theory (correct)

The environmental theory

The sugar theory

What histopathological change is first observed in dentin caries?

Decreased mineral content Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT commonly associated with theories of dental caries?

Tooth surface hardness Signup and view all the answers

What type of polymer is dextran?

Glucose polymer Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates levan from dextran?

Levan is a fructose polymer Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about dextran is true?

It resists degradation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the solubility characteristic of levan?

It is water soluble. Signup and view all the answers

Which functional role does dextran serve in dental plaque?

Provides bulk of dental plaque. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of many years of small and frequent movements in adults?

Broad and flat contact area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the changes in the contact points of adults after prolonged movement?

Contact points result in a broader area Signup and view all the answers

How does prolonged movement impact the contact area in adults?

It causes wearing-off of the contact point Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome of small, frequent movements over time?

A broadening of the contact area Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the contact area after years of wearing-off from movements?

It turns into a broad and flat surface Signup and view all the answers

What type of polysaccharide is specifically mentioned as being produced intracellularly?

Amylopectin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of amylopectin?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario does amylopectin serve as a store of fermentable carbohydrate?

When there is deficiency of dietary carbohydrate intake Signup and view all the answers

What role does amylopectin primarily play in carbohydrate metabolism?

It acts as a reserve for fermentable carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of amylopectin?

It is composed of fructose units Signup and view all the answers

What happens to organic matter in the presence of proteolytic bacteria?

It collapses or is digested. Signup and view all the answers

What type of enzymes are involved in the digestion of organic matter?

Proteolytic enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes proteolytic bacteria?

They aid in the digestion of proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the action of proteolytic bacteria?

They can either cause organic matter to collapse or digest it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of proteolytic enzymes?

To digest proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Histopathology of Enamel Caries

Enamel caries is a gradual process beginning at the enamel surface
Caries progresses through several stages
Initial changes in enamel are detectable by polarized light microscopy
The changes can be seen as demineralization in subsurface prisms
These changes are referred to as “initial enamel lesions”

Histopathology of Dentin Caries

The underlying dentin is affected in the later stages of caries
Dentin is more susceptible to caries as it has less mineral content compared to enamel
Caries spreads along the dentinal tubules
The tubules are filled with debris and bacteria
The affected dentin appears as a dark zone called the “demineralized zone”

Theories of Dental Caries

The Chemo-Parasitic theory:
- Proposes that dental caries is caused by bacteria
- Bacteria ferment carbohydrates producing acids
- These acids attack and demineralize the tooth structure
The Proteolytic theory:
- Focused on the role of bacteria and their proteolytic enzymes degrading organic matter
- Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins in dentin
- This weakens the dentin structure and can lead to cavity formation
The Acidogenic theory:
- Emphasizes the role of acid in enamel demineralization
- Bacteria produce acids that lower the pH of the plaque
- This acidic environment causes demineralization
The Proteolytic-Chemo-Parasitic theory:
- Combines aspects of the other theories
- Believes that both proteolytic enzymes and acid are crucial in caries development
- This theory recognizes the complex interplay of factors that contribute to caries

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Description

This quiz explores the histopathology of enamel and dentin caries, detailing the progression and changes seen at different stages of the disease. It also discusses key theories about the causes of dental caries, including the chemo-parasitic and proteolytic theories. Test your knowledge on these critical aspects of dental health.