Oral Medicine and Periodontology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary composition of the pellicle that forms on tooth surfaces?

Glycoproteins (correct)

Polysaccharides and lipids

Proteins and enzymes

Calcium and phosphate

Which of the following correctly describes the thickness of a pellicle?

0.1 - 0.8 nm (correct)

1.0 - 2.0 nm

0.1 - 0.5 nm

0.5 - 1.0 nm

What is one of the main functions of the pellicle in oral health?

Providing a barrier against acids (correct)

Accelerating plaque formation

Enhancing tooth sensitivity

Decreasing saliva production

Which type of pellicle is primarily formed from saliva?

Surface pellicle unstained Signup and view all the answers

What is the appearance of materia alba when found in the oral cavity?

Loosely adherent, unstructured white/grayish masses Signup and view all the answers

What process assists in the formation of a pellicle on the tooth surface?

Selective adsorption Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pellicle play in bacterial activity in the oral cavity?

It acts as a nidi for bacteria to attach. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT true of the pellet formation?

Pellicle consists of heme and melanin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of supragingival plaque?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of plaque adherence is characterized by a firmer adhesion to the tooth surface?

Irreversible stage Signup and view all the answers

Which type of calculus can be described as developing below the gingival margin?

Subgingival calculus Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical timeframe for plaque to fully mineralize into calculus?

10-20 days Signup and view all the answers

What role does saliva play in oral hygiene?

Acts as a buffer and cleansing agent Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic appearance of supragingival calculus?

Yellow or white with a smooth texture Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can contribute to the rapid formation of plaque?

Low saliva production Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plaque is referred to as 'pit and fissure plaque'?

Supragingival plaque Signup and view all the answers

What primarily composes the mineralization of calculus?

Inorganic salts and bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the potential hazards of poorly managed plaque?

Contributes to periodontal disease Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of Pellicle

Translucent, thin, amorphous, acellular organic film; tenacious membranous layer.
Adheres to teeth, restorations, calculus, and other firm surfaces in the oral cavity.
Thickness ranges from 0.1 to 0.8 nm; stains positive for sugars and proteins but does not bind dyes.

Formation and Composition

Forms within minutes after removal of external materials, primarily composed of glycoproteins absorbed by hydroxyapatite on the tooth surface.
Notable accumulation around the gingival margin.

Pellicle Types

Subsurface Pellicle: Continuous with tooth structure.
Surface Pellicle:
- Unstained: Lingual, buccal, palatal surfaces.
- Stained: Visible to the naked eye.
Supragingival pellicle originates from saliva; subgingival pellicle from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Functions of the Pellicle

Protective: Acts as a barrier against acids, potentially reducing dental caries.
Lubrication: Maintains moisture on tooth surfaces.
Nidus for Bacteria: Facilitates plaque formation and microbial adherence.
Attachment of Calculus: Involved in calculus formation on tooth surfaces.

Characteristics of Materia Alba

Informal accumulation, appearing as loosely adherent, unstructured white or grayish-white masses of oral debris and bacteria.
Resembles cottage cheese; high bacterial count and can be removed with vigorous rinsing or irrigation.

Clinical Implications

Materia alba collection occurs in open contact areas, mobile teeth, and occlusal irregularities.
Associated with gingival inflammation, tooth surface demineralization, and dental caries.

Prevention Strategies

Self-cleansing mechanisms via tongue, saliva, and lips.
Regular tooth brushing and flossing are vital.

Role in Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an aetiological factor characterized by organized bacterial systems within an intermicrobial matrix.
Comprised of dense bacterial arrays that adhere loosely to teeth and calculus deposits, with significant species variety (500-700 species per gram of plaque).

Types of Plaque

Supragingival Plaque: White or yellowish layer along the gingival margin; rapidly increases in volume.
Subgingival Plaque: Less visible clinically, located below the gingival margin and observed through staining.

Stages of Plaque Development

Reversible Stage: Loosely adheres to teeth via hydrogen bonds and electrostatic attraction.
Irreversible Stage: Firmer adhesion of bacteria to the acquired pellicle and calculus.

Nutritional Needs for Microbial Growth

Bacteria require carbohydrates from foods, particularly sugars, for growth and plaque formation.
The dietary fibrous components also contribute to plaque development.

Calculus Formation

Composed of 70-80% inorganic salts, with 15-20% organic compounds (calcium, magnesium, fluoride).
Mineralization process takes 24-48 hours, fully mineralizing in 10-20 days.

Supragingival vs. Subgingival Calculus

Supragingival Calculus: Yellow/white appearance, accumulates in areas of salivary ducts, usually more visible.
Subgingival Calculus: Darker with age, localized or generalized throughout the mouth, commonly forms below the gingival margin.

Attachment Mechanisms

Initial attachment leads to growth and organization; mineralization adheres firmly to tooth surfaces.
Tenacious attachment occurs due to calcification of the underlying pellicle and surface irregularities.

Health Considerations

Poor oral hygiene and lack of adequate care lead to plaque accumulation and subsequent periodontal disease.
Rough tooth surfaces and personal plaque control measures play significant roles in oral health maintenance.

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Description

This quiz covers the characteristics, origin, development, prevention, examination, evaluation, treatment, and instruction related to oral medicine and periodontology. It particularly focuses on tooth accumulation and materials involved in oral health. Test your knowledge on this important dental field!