Oral Medicine and Periodontology: Tooth Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary composition of a dental pellicle?

Lipids and carbohydrates

Proteins and heme

Glycoproteins (correct)

Mineral crystals

What is the thickness range of a dental pellicle?

0.1 - 0.8 nm (correct)

0.01 - 0.2 mm

0.5 - 1.0 mm

1 - 2 nm

Which function does the dental pellicle NOT serve?

Barrier against acids

Nidus for bacteria

Moisture retention

Decay enhancement (correct)

What type of pellicle is primarily derived from saliva?

Surface pellicle - unstained Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes materia alba?

Loosely adherent, unstructured masses Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of the accumulation of materia alba?

Gingival inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Which process does not contribute to the formation of dental pellicle?

Chemical erosion Signup and view all the answers

How does a dental pellicle aid in plaque formation?

By providing a sticky surface for absorption Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the dry weight of plaque is made up of bacteria?

70% Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of plaque adheres loosely to the tooth surface through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic attraction?

Reversible Stage Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plaque is not easily diagnosed clinically and occurs below the gingival margin?

Subgingival Plaque Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nutrient that bacteria in plaque utilize to grow?

Carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic color of supragingival calculus?

Yellow/white Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes subgingival calculus?

Has a rough, porous surface. Signup and view all the answers

What holds the bacteria to the tooth surface in the irreversible stage of plaque formation?

Tight adhesion through acquired pellicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the main mineral component found in calculus?

Calcium Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal medium that allows for bacterial growth and leads to plaque accumulation?

Moisture and food debris Signup and view all the answers

What happens to plaque within 24-48 hours without proper oral care?

It mineralizes and hardens. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oral Medicine and Periodontology Overview

Characteristics of oral biofilm and its composition are essential in oral health.
Prevention and treatment strategies are fundamental in managing oral diseases.

Tooth Accumulated Materials

Translucent, thin, amorphous acellular organic film, 0.1-0.8 nm thick.
Adheres to teeth, restorations, calculus, and oral surfaces.
Composed of glycoproteins, providing a highly insoluble coating, especially near the gingival margin.

Pellicle Formation

Forms rapidly after removal of external debris.
Protective role: provides a barrier against acids, aiding in reducing dental caries.
Functions in lubrication, maintaining moisture on surfaces.
Acts as a nidus for bacteria, enhancing plaque formation and aiding calculus attachment.

Materia Alba

Informal accumulation of loosely adherent white/grayish masses of oral debris and bacteria.
High bacterial count compared to plaque; can resemble cottage cheese.
Contributes to gingival inflammation, tooth surface demineralization, and dental caries.

Factors Affecting Materia Alba Accumulation

Occurs in open contact areas and irregularities of occlusion, contributing to tooth mobility.
Prevention includes self-cleansing by the tongue, saliva, lips, and proper oral hygiene like brushing and flossing.

Periodontal Disease Contributions

Major aetiological factor is the dense bacterial systems found in plaque.
500-700 bacterial species per gram of plaque; a significant contributor to periodontal disease.
Supragingival (above gum line) and subgingival (below gum line) plaque groups identified.

Plaque Development Stages

Reversible: loosely adheres via hydrogen bonds and electrostatic attraction.
Irreversible: firmer adhesion to pellicle, calculus, and restorations.

Nutritional Factors in Plaque Growth

Bacterial growth depends on carbohydrates, food sources, and adequate nutrients from daily intake.
Saliva flow and mechanical action from eating can help remove plaque.

Calculus

Primary components include organic and inorganic matter; mineralization occurs in 24-48 hours.
Tightly adherent, porous, rough calculus creates an environment for further plaque accumulation.
Supragingival calculus appears yellow/white; subgingival calculus is darker and more difficult to detect.

Calculus Formation and Attachment

Three stages: initial attachment, growth/organization, and mineralization.
Close approximation to tooth surface is required for tenacious attachment, facilitated by underlying calcified pellicle.

Clinical Inspection and Diagnosis

Essential to utilize clinical and radiographic examinations for detecting calculus and plaque accumulation.
Diagnosis influenced by calculus appearance and its development over time, with variations among individuals.

Conclusion and Importance

Understanding the characteristics and prevention methods for oral biofilm and calculus is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing periodontal diseases.
Good dental hygiene practices are vital in reducing plaque formation and maintaining healthy gingiva.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the characteristics, origin, development, prevention, and treatment of accumulated materials on teeth. You will explore the properties of various dental films and their implications for oral health. Perfect for students in the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology.