Caries Flashcards
What is the definition of caries
The disease is caused by dietary sugars that are broken down by micro-organisms in the biofilm on a tooth surface, which produces acids that, over time, demineralise tooth enamel
What actually are caries
Commonly known as tooth decay
Disease of the hard tissues of the teeth
Demineralisation of the hard tissues results in a clinically detectable lesion
Why is caries a dynamic process
It is a chemical dissolution brought about by metabolic activity in a microbial deposit (biofilm) [plaque] covering a tooth surface at any given time
Where can caries arise
Coronal
-Smooth surface
-Interproximal
-Pit/fissue
Root
What are the stages of caries
Initial
Moderate
Extensive
What is epidemiology
The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why
What is the most common communicable disease worldwide
Caries
What are the regional variations in enamel
Surface enamel is more mineralised and harder than deeper enamel
Hardness decreases from cusp tip/incisal edge to cervical region
What is the process of caries formation
The process of de- and re-mineralisation is dynamic. In the early stages of the disease, dental caries can be reversed. However, when factors promoting demineralisation exceed those favouring remineralisation, dental caries progresses (unless checked) into dentine to a point where the tooth surface breaks down and ultimately a cavity forms
What is biofilm
A thin layer of living organsims
What is the definition of free sugars
“sugars (mono and disaccharides) added to foods and beverages by the manufacturer, cook or consumer and sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.”
Whar does the term ‘free sugars’ exclude
fruit sugars in stewed fruit, dried and fruit canned in water, but not in sugar syrup
What causes demineralisation
Sugars → plaque → acid → demineralisation
What are the 4 factors which lead to caries
Susceptible tooth tissue
Free sugars
Biofilm (plaque)
Time
When is the worst time to eat sugars
Before bed without brushing teeth
