Risk Factors in Oral Health

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Questions and Answers

Which factor is considered the MOST IMPORTANT for maintaining oral tissue integrity?

Toxins or Biocides

Dietary composition

Oral Hygiene (correct)

Medication effects

How do congenital factors affect oral tissue integrity?

They improve immune response in all individuals.

They have no impact on oral health.

They modify host immune response and connective tissue development. (correct)

They increase saliva production directly.

Which of the following is NOT a natural barrier to oral infection?

Host immunity

Tissue integrity

Secretory IgA

Antibiotic use (correct)

What is a behavioral risk factor that can impact oral tissue integrity?

Diet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can dramatically affect local microbial ecology in the oral cavity?

Toxins or Biocides Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the oral mucosa?

Protection, sensation, secretion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas is considered non-keratinized?

Sulcular epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which microorganism is noted for its ability to invade host cells and persist?

P. gingivalis Signup and view all the answers

What is the site most vulnerable to infection in the oral mucosa?

Sulcus Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the oral mucosa abuts the scalloped edge of the mucogingival junction?

Lining mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of bruxism?

Increases dentin vulnerability Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the oral mucosa is considered the most vascularized?

Free gingiva Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with the oral mucosa?

Nutrient absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the oral mucosa is keratinized and most subject to abrasion?

Gingiva Signup and view all the answers

What role does the oral mucosa play in relation to microbial infection?

Serves as a natural barrier Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to the protection function of the oral mucosa?

Saliva secretion Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical structure is least likely to be keratinized within the oral mucosa?

Lining of the cheeks Signup and view all the answers

What can cause mechanical abrasive forces in the mouth?

Brushing too hard Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily modulates the contributions of other risk factors in dental health?

Time Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical pH level in the oral cavity that leads to demineralization of tooth enamel?

pH 5.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of plaque accumulation in the presence of carbohydrates according to the Acidogenic Theory of Caries?

Inhibition of remineralization Signup and view all the answers

What component of saliva primarily buffers pH between meals?

Bicarbonate ions Signup and view all the answers

What dietary factor is most associated with promoting cariogenic plaque?

High sugar availability Signup and view all the answers

According to the Stephan Curve, how quickly does salivary pH drop after carbohydrate consumption?

Within a few minutes (5-10 min) Signup and view all the answers

What term describes microbes that produce acidic waste products?

Acidogenic Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical time frame for acid elimination in saliva after a meal?

20-30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What role does biofilm play in microbial persistence?

It helps microbes adhere and evade the immune response. Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are considered the first line of defense against bacterial infection?

Neutrophils (PMNs) Signup and view all the answers

How do bacteria that create biofilms affect antibiotics?

They tolerate antibiotics more effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do some bacteria use to evade the host immune response?

Hiding surface antigens using EPS. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of biofilm on the immune response?

It can redirect or overwhelm the immune response. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of cellular immunity?

Presence of antibodies in blood. Signup and view all the answers

What are surface receptor interactions important for?

Initiation of endocytosis and exocytosis. Signup and view all the answers

What substance is produced by biofilms that aids in evading the immune system?

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Barriers to Oral Tissue Infection

Key barriers include tissue integrity, host immunity, and production of oral secretory fluids.
Overall human health significantly impacts these barriers and influences susceptibility to infections.
Hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity are affected by congenital and systemic factors, including genetics and age.
Alterable risk factors affecting oral integrity encompass oral hygiene, environmental toxins, diet, medication, and mechanical forces.

Significant Risk Factors Influencing Oral Health

Oral hygiene is critical for preventing infections and maintaining oral tissue integrity.
Environmental toxins, such as biocides and smoking, disrupt local microbial ecology and immune responses.
Diet plays a role — high sugar intake, consistency, and frequency affect oral health outcomes.
Medications can lead to dry mouth, impacting oral mucosa health.
Mechanical forces like bruxism and aggressive brushing can damage tissues, increasing infection risk.

Oral Mucosa Functions

The oral mucosa serves three primary functions: protection, sensation, and secretion.
It features keratinized and non-keratinized areas, with keratinized regions more resistant to abrasion.
Non-keratinized areas, like the sulcular epithelium and junctional epithelium, are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Mechanisms of Chronic Soft Tissue Infection

Microorganisms like P. gingivalis and S. mutans evade destruction by host cells by inhibiting lysosomal degradation.
Bacteria can cycle between host cells, leading to persistent infections.
Biofilms enable bacteria to hide from immune responses and resist antibiotics, promoting chronic infections.

Mucosal Immunity

Humoral immunity involves soluble molecules in the lymph and blood, while cellular immunity engages tissue and circulating cells.
Neutrophils act as the first line of defense against bacterial infections at mucosal surfaces.

Acidogenic Theory of Caries

The accumulation of plaque combined with carbohydrates leads to acid production, hindering enamel remineralization and promoting decay.
Critical pH for dental demineralization is pH 5.5; below this level, calcium phosphate is released.
After carbohydrate consumption, salivary pH drops rapidly, with restoration occurring roughly 20-30 minutes post-consumption.

Dietary Impact on Oral Microbial Ecology

Diet, particularly the presence of fermentable sugars, drives the growth of cariogenic bacteria, altering oral microbial composition.

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Description

This quiz explores the natural barriers to oral tissue infection and significant risk factors influencing oral health. It examines the impact of host immunity, oral hygiene, environmental toxins, and dietary habits on oral integrity. Understanding these factors is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing infections.