Describing Dental Caries medium
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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of active caries compared to inactive caries?

  • Active caries surfaces are shiny and lustrous.
  • Active caries surfaces feel rough and soft. (correct)
  • Active caries enamel appears black or brown.
  • Active caries lesions are always covered in plaque biofilm.

What treatment is indicated for arrested caries that are not progressing?

  • Immediate surgical removal of the caries.
  • Fillings with silver amalgam material.
  • Extraction of the affected tooth.
  • Fluoride application to increase remineralization. (correct)

What features distinguish inactive caries from active caries?

  • Inactive caries feel rough, while active caries feel smooth.
  • Inactive caries are often harder and less prone to contamination. (correct)
  • Inactive caries are covered in plaque biofilm, while active caries are not.
  • Inactive caries are moist while active caries are dry.

What does the presence of arrested caries indicate regarding future dental health?

<p>Arrested caries suggest an increased risk of future caries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does dentine of active caries feel compared to that of inactive caries when probed?

<p>Active caries dentine feels moist and leathery. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant contributor to hospitalization among children in the UK?

<p>Dental caries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is specifically mentioned regarding dental caries prevalence in the UK?

<p>5 year olds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a carious lesion that has healed due to favorable remineralization?

<p>Arrested caries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that can lead to a change in the balance favoring remineralization?

<p>Improved oral hygiene (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe carious lesions that leave a visible mark on the tooth surface following healing?

<p>Scar (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of caries is characterized by damage to smooth surfaces of the teeth?

<p>Smooth surface caries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor that contributes to the process of demineralization?

<p>Poor oral hygiene (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of caries refers to decay that may develop around restorations?

<p>Secondary caries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary tissue affected in root caries?

<p>Cementum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the development of root caries?

<p>Salivary flow reduction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key preventive measure for root caries?

<p>Oral hygiene instruction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should a lesion be restored in the context of root caries?

<p>If plaque control is inhibited (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which age range is defined by the American Dental Association for early childhood caries?

<p>Birth to 71 months (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term was previously used for early childhood caries?

<p>Nursing caries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines rampant caries?

<p>Multiple teeth affected by rapidly progressing decay (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about mandibular incisors in relation to rampant caries?

<p>They can show extensive caries quickly (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the process of dental caries?

<p>Acids produced from bacteria digesting carbohydrates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about dental caries is true?

<p>Caries can be reversed initially but can become irreversible. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the World Health Organization's findings, which statement is accurate about dental caries prevalence?

<p>Decay in permanent teeth is the most widespread non-communicable disease. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors plays a critical role in the development of dental caries?

<p>Plaque bacteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dental caries can be described based on which of the following aspects?

<p>Location and stage of progression (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of dental caries management, what is the primary goal for dental professionals?

<p>Minimal intervention while preserving function and aesthetics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most common source of the acids responsible for tooth demineralisation in dental caries?

<p>Fermentable carbohydrates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes dental caries?

<p>A dynamic process of demineralisation and remineralisation of teeth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Class V caries?

<p>Caries affecting the gingival 1/3 of facial and lingual or palatal surfaces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is secondary caries defined?

<p>Caries affecting a previously restored tooth surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of caries remains after restoration, intentionally or unintentionally?

<p>Residual caries. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does incipient caries indicate?

<p>Caries that has not extended to the amelodentinal junction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with the presence of white spot lesions?

<p>Reversible caries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key protective function of saliva?

<p>It acts as a reservoir for remineralization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category of rampant caries is not associated with dry mouth conditions?

<p>Early childhood rampant caries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the stabilization treatment involve for patients with rampant caries?

<p>Temporary restorations to monitor condition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which class of caries refers to caries on the proximal surfaces of both premolars and molars?

<p>Class II (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of caries occurs on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars?

<p>Class I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is interproximal caries most likely to develop?

<p>Just below the contact point between teeth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which class represents caries affecting the incisal edge of anterior teeth?

<p>Class IV (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of caries is most associated with saliva’s clearing function?

<p>Smooth surface caries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dental Caries

A progressive destruction of tooth enamel and dentin, often caused by bacteria and poor oral hygiene.

Hospitalization of Children

A significant portion of healthcare budgets in developed nations is allocated to treating dental caries in children, leading to hospitalizations in severe cases.

Arrested Caries

A carious lesion that has stopped progressing due to a shift in the balance between demineralization and remineralization, favoring remineralization.

Demineralization

The process where minerals are lost from tooth surfaces due to acid attacks from bacteria.

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Remineralization

A process where minerals are restored to tooth enamel and dentin to stop or reverse caries.

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Primary Caries

Dental caries that affect the crown initially, often in pits or fissures due to plaque accumulation.

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White Spot Lesions

Visible discoloration on tooth enamel due to early demineralization, a precursor to cavity formation.

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Preventive Advice

Instructions to improve oral hygiene and diet choices to prevent dental caries.

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5-year-olds dental Caries (UK)

23% of 5-year-old children in the UK have dental caries.

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Dental Caries

A progressive process of tooth demineralization and remineralization, initiated by acids produced from bacteria digesting carbohydrates on tooth surfaces.

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Demineralization

The process where acids produced by bacteria dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel and dentin, weakening the tooth.

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Remineralization

The process by which minerals are re-deposited in the tooth structure.

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Caries Aetiology

The cause of dental caries, which is primarily the interaction of fermentable carbohydrates and oral bacteria.

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Dental Caries Prevalence

Dental caries, especially in permanent teeth, is a highly prevalent global health issue, impacting billions.

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Fermentable Carbohydrates

Sugars and starches that can be broken down by bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that lead to tooth decay.

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Oral Bacteria

Microscopic organisms that live in the mouth and produce acids that break down tooth enamel and dentin when they digest sugars.

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Active Caries

A caries lesion that is progressing and has not reached a stable stage.

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Inactive Caries

A caries lesion that is stable and not progressing.

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Arrested Caries Treatment

Treatment for caries that is not actively progressing, focusing on preventing future progression.

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Fluoride Application

A treatment for arrested caries that increases remineralization by adding fluoride.

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Restoration (composite/glass ionomer)

A restorative treatment used to address cosmetic concerns related to discolouration caused by arrested caries.

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Continued Prevention

Necessary for patients with arrested caries due to the increased risk of future caries development.

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Root Caries Cause

Root caries starts when root surfaces are exposed due to gum recession, allowing bacteria to colonize and cause decay, progressing faster than enamel decay.

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Root Caries Xerostomia

Reduced saliva flow (xerostomia) makes it harder to clear sugar and build minerals on teeth, making them more susceptible to decay.

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Root Caries Treatment Preventative

Preventing root caries involves improving oral hygiene, controlling sugar intake, and using fluoride.

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Root Caries Treatment Repair

Treatment for root caries often includes fillings of glass ionomer cement (releases fluoride) or composite resins.

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Early Childhood Caries Definition

Decay in a child's primary (baby/milk) teeth before age 7, with one or more decayed, missing, or filled surfaces.

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Rampant Caries

Extensive decay affecting multiple teeth that progress quickly.

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Class V Caries

Caries on the gum line of the tooth's facial, lingual, or palatal surfaces.

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Class VI Caries

Caries on the biting edge of front teeth or the chewing points of back teeth, not on other tooth surfaces.

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Primary Caries

Caries on a tooth surface that hasn't been previously treated.

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Secondary Caries

Caries on a tooth surface that has been previously restored.

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Residual Caries

Caries remaining after a restoration.

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Incipient Caries

Early stage of caries, not reaching the dentin layer.

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White Spot Lesions

Visible discolorations on tooth enamel, often a sign of early caries.

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Saliva's Protective Function

Saliva protects teeth by flushing away debris and acting as a reservoir for remineralization.

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Rampant Caries Subgroups

Rampant caries can be categorized into early childhood, xerostomia-induced, and radiation-induced types.

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Rampant Caries Treatment Prevention

Treatment for rampant caries emphasizes extensive preventative measures to halt progression.

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Rampant Caries Treatment Stabilization

Temporary restorations are sometimes used to stabilize the condition and evaluate response to preventive care before definitive treatment.

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Smooth Surface Caries

Caries that develop on the smooth surfaces of teeth.

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Pit and Fissure Caries

Caries found in the grooves and pits of teeth.

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Interproximal Caries

Caries that develop between teeth.

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G.V. Black's Classification

A system used to categorize the location of cavities for treatment planning.

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Class I Caries

Caries in pits and fissures, mostly on premolars and molars' chewing surfaces.

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Class II Caries

Caries on the surfaces between the bicuspids and molars.

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Class III Caries

Caries on the between teeth on front teeth, not going into the incisal edge.

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Class IV Caries

Caries involving the incisal edge of the front teeth.

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Study Notes

Describing Dental Caries

  • Dental caries is a dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization
  • It begins with acids produced by bacteria digesting fermentable carbohydrates on the tooth surface.
  • These acids demineralize the tooth surface, leading to the destruction of dental tissues.
  • Initially, this process is reversible, but it subsequently becomes irreversible.

GDC Learning Outcomes

  • Describe oral diseases and their relevance to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
  • Explain the aetiology and pathogenesis of oral disease
  • Assess and manage caries, occlusion, and tooth wear, and, where appropriate, restore the dentition using minimal intervention while maintaining function and aesthetics

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Explain worldwide healthcare issues associated with dental caries
  • Describe dental caries based on its causative factors
  • Describe dental caries based on its anatomical location
  • Describe dental caries based on its stage of progression
  • Explain how basic management principles may vary for different clinical presentations of dental caries

Aetiology of Dental Caries

  • Caries involves the intersection of susceptible tooth surfaces, plaque bacteria, and fermentable carbohydrates over time.

Histopathology of Enamel and Dentine Caries

  • This is a pre-reading topic.

What is Dental Caries?

  • Dental caries (decay, rotten teeth), are dynamic processes of demineralization and remineralization.
  • It is initiated by acids produced by oral bacteria that break down fermentable carbohydrates on the tooth surface.
  • The acids demineralize the tooth's surface leading to tissue destruction.
  • The process is initially reversible, but irreversibly progresses after a critical point.

Why Care About Dental Caries?

  • WHO identifies it as the most widespread non-communicable disease
  • Decay in permanent teeth is the most prevalent disease
  • Decay in deciduous teeth is the 12th most prevalent disease
  • 2.3 billion people have permanent decay
  • 560 million children have deciduous decay
  • 5-10% of healthcare budgets in developed countries are spent on treating dental caries
  • A significant cause of hospitalizations and absences from work/school
  • Linked to undernutrition

Descriptions of Dental Caries

  • Various terms describe dental caries based on location or etiology, such as arrested, root, early childhood, rampant, pit/fissure, secondary, smooth surface, residual, and white spot lesions.

Arrested/Inactive Caries

  • When the balance between demineralization and remineralization favors remineralization, caries lesions may heal. This may leave a 'scar' if the caries progressed before the healing.
  • Reasons for the balance shift may include improved oral hygiene or removal of plaque retention triggers.
  • There are similarities and differences in active and inactive caries in terms of enamel and dentine appearance and feel.

Arrested/Inactive Caries - Treatment

  • Often do not require active treatment.
  • Fluoride applications, and composite or glass ionomer restorations may be used to address discoloration
  • Continued prevention is key due to the increased risk of recurrence.

Root Caries

  • Primary tissue affected is cementum, followed by dentine
  • Exposed root surfaces, recession, and bacteria colonization initiate root caries.
  • Cementum is softer than enamel, facilitating faster progression.

Root Caries - Aetiology

  • Decreased salivary flow (xerostomia) hinders clearing sugars and mineral reservoirs.
  • Saliva flow reduction may also be related to sweets consumption.
  • Radiotherapy can damage salivary glands, causing xerostomia, and trismus, which impacts oral hygiene practices.

Root Caries - Treatment

  • Preventive measures include improved oral hygiene, dietary advice, and fluoride use
  • . Oral hygiene might be challenging in elderly patients, so supportive measures are required.
  • Restoration with glass ionomer cement (fluoride releasing) or composite resin is an option for treatment.
  • Saliva substitutes, and medication (e.g. pilocarpine) may aid care.
  • Definitive restoration plans may be developed after an assessment.

Early Childhood Caries

  • Defined by the presence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in a preschool-aged child
  • Previously referred to as 'bottle caries' or 'nursing caries'.

Rampant Caries

  • Extensive caries affecting multiple teeth, especially resistant to decay

Rampant Caries - Treatment

  • Extensive prevention is required
  • Stabilization with temporary restorations is often necessary to evaluate the response to prevent worsening before definitive restorations.

Caries Based on Anatomical Position

  • Caries are categorized based on their location, including smooth surface, pit and fissure, and interproximal areas.
  • GV Black Classification system outlines the classification for restorative treatment based on caries location.
  • Descriptions by location: Class I (pit and fissures), Class II (proximal premolars, and molars), Class III (proximal incisor, canines, but not involving the incisal edge), Class IV (proximal anterior teeth, including part of the incisal edge) Class V (gingival 1/3 of facial/lingual/palatal surfaces of all teeth), and Class VI (incisal edges of anteriors or cusp tips of posterior teeth without involving any other surface).

Primary/Secondary Caries

  • Primary caries: Caries appearing in a tooth surface that has not been treated before.
  • Secondary caries: Caries affecting a tooth surface that has previously undergone treatment.

Residual Caries

  • Caries that remain after a restoration is performed
  • May be intentional (e.g. to seal caries close to the pulp) or unintentional (e.g., if decay was not removed prior to restoration)

White Spot Lesions and Incipient Caries

  • Incipient caries refers to the early stage of carious activity that has not extended to the dentin-enamel junction.
  • These lesions may be reversible with preventative measures.
  • They can sometimes appear as white spot lesions.

Follow Up Reading

  • Detection of dental caries lecture
  • Caries prevention lectures
  • Caries management lectures

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Describing Dental Caries PDF

Description

This quiz explores the dynamic process of dental caries, focusing on its demineralization and remineralization stages. Participants will learn about the relevance of oral diseases, their aetiology, and the management of caries through minimal intervention. Test your knowledge on worldwide healthcare issues related to dental caries and its anatomical classifications.

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