Bacterial Diseases of the Mouth

Question 1

1. Dental Plaque

Answer 1

biofilm on surface of teeth - organisms in biofilm ferment carbohydrates on teeth creating lactic acid as a waste product

Question 2

What causes dental Caries (cavities)?

Answer 2

Lactic acid weakens the enamel

Question 3

What is Dextran?

Answer 3

a gummy material that leads to the formation of cavities

Question 4

How many microbe species are identified with biofilm formation and which is the most common?

Answer 4

over 700 species, Streptococcus mutans is most common cause of cavities.

Question 5

Tartar

Answer 5

calcified deposits of plaque

Question 6

2. Periodontal Disease

Answer 6

inflammation and degeneration of structures that support the teeth

Question 7

Gingivitis

Answer 7

infection of the gingiva (gums) - bleeding at brushing is sign - affects 50% of the US population.

Question 8

Periodontitis

Answer 8

chronic gingivitis - gums are imflammed and bleed easily - pus forms in tooth socket deteriorating the bone and periodontal ligament causing loosening of teeth.

Question 9

Acute Necrotizing Gingivitis

Answer 9

chewing is painful, extreme halitosis - caused by anaerobic pathogens