Caries Pattern + Diagnosis Flashcards
Define caries
> Disease of mineralised tissues: enamel dentine cementum caused by the action of microorganisms on fermentable carbohydrates
> Can be arrested and remineralisation can occur in early stages
How does decalcification appear clinically?
Chalky white/brown lesions
When is decalcification most commonly seen?
Under ortho brackets
What 3 pits should be checked for possible caries?
- Buccal pits of lower 6s
- Palatal pits of uppers 6s
- Cingulum + palatal pits of upper 2s
Where is smooth surface caries found?
- Buccal
- Lingual
- Cervical
How does active caries present clinically?
- Light brown caries
- Soft mushy if you check with a probe
What teeth does early bottle caries affect?
MAXILLARY
Incisors
1st Molars
MANDIBULAR
Canines
Why are lower incisors normally not affected by early bottle caries?
They are protected by the tongue
+ saliva from floor of the mouth (salivary glands)
What is an amalgam tattoo caused by?
Amalgam gets into the dentinal tubules and stains them grey
Define rampant caries
More than or equal to 10 new lesions per year
- Lower anteriors affected
Pattern of attack for caries in deciduous dentition (yrs)
0 to 6
Pattern of attack for caries in young mixed dentition (yrs)
6 to 12
Pattern of attack for caries in young permanent dentition (yrs)
12+
What teeth is caries most prevalent in the primary dentition?
- Lower primary molars
- Upper primary molars (2nd)
- Upper anteriors
What teeth is caries least prevalent in the primary dentition?
- Lower anteriors
- Buccal + lingual surfaces
Why is interprox caries harder to develop in primary dentition?
Because primary dentition is very spaced out making the areas self cleansing
What teeth can enamel hypomineralisation occur in the primary dentition?
2nd primary molars
Whats usually the pattern of extraction for caries in primary dentition?
8 primary molars removed + centrals + laterals
- Canines saved to guide teeth in
- Lower anteriors usually spared as they don’t get caries