CARIO TERMINOLOGY

Question 1

Decay of teeth caused by bacterial activity that leads to demineralization of the tooth’s hard tissues.

Answer 1

Caries/ Cavities

Question 2

A sticky film of bacteria and food debris that forms on the teeth and is a primary cause of caries and gum disease.

Answer 2

Plaque

Question 3

Also a primary cause of caries and gum disease.

Answer 3

Plaque

Question 4

Loss of minerals (like calcium and phosphate) from the tooth enamel due to acid produced by bacteria from the breakdown of sugar.

Answer 4

Demineralization

Question 5

What minerals were lost from the tooth enamel during demineralization?

Answer 5

Calcium and Phosphates

Question 6

The process by which minerals are returned to the molecular structure of the tooth. This can reverse early stages of decay.

Answer 6

Remineralization

Question 7

This can reverse early stages of decay.

Answer 7

Remineralization

Question 8

The hard, outermost layer of a tooth that protects it from decay.

Answer 8

Enamel

Question 9

The layer beneath the enamel that contains microscopic tubules leading to the nerve of the tooth.

Answer 9

Dentin

Question 10

The innermost part of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves, which can become inflamed or infected if decay reaches this deep.

Answer 10

Pulp

Question 11

Refers to substances (typically foods or bacteria) that promote the formation of caries.

Answer 11

Cariogenic

Question 12

A condition caused by excessive ingestion of fluoride, leading to changes in tooth enamel, often appearing as white spots or streaks.

Answer 12

Fluorosis

Question 13

The hard, outer protective layer of the tooth that is susceptible to decay but can remineralize.

Answer 13

Enamel

Question 14

The layer beneath the enamel that is less hard and more sensitive to decay once the enamel is breached.

Answer 14

Dentin

Question 15

A complex community of bacteria that live on surfaces in the mouth, such as teeth and gums, and contribute to dental caries and periodontal diseases.

Answer 15

Biofilm

Question 16

A layer of the tooth that is susceptible to decay but can remineralize.

Answer 16

Enamel

Question 17

The layer that is less hard and more sensitive to decay once the enamel is breached.

Answer 17

Dentin

Question 18

The innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels; infections here can cause pain and require root canal therapy.

Answer 18

Pulp

Question 19

Early signs of dental caries, appearing as opaque, white areas on the enamel due to subsurface demineralization.

Answer 19

White Spot Lesions

Question 20

A more advanced stage of caries where there is a visible breakdown of the enamel, forming a cavity.

Answer 20

Cavitated Lesion

Question 21

Early caries lesion where the enamel surface is intact but shows signs of demineralization.

Answer 21

Non-cavitated Lesion

Question 22

Procedures that repair a decayed tooth, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals.

Answer 22

Restorative Treatment

Question 23

Measures taken to prevent dental caries, such as the use of fluoride, dental sealants, and good oral hygiene practices.

Answer 23

Preventive Treatment

Question 24

Thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent caries.

Answer 24

Sealants

Question 25

Deep grooves in the surface of the tooth, particularly molars, where plaque can accumulate and caries often begins.

Answer 25

Fissures

Question 26

Decay that occurs on the root surface of a tooth, often exposed due to gum recession.

Answer 26

Root Caries

Question 27

New decay that occurs around the margins of an existing filling or dental restoration.

Answer 27

Recurrent Caries

Question 28

Refers to any substance or condition that promotes the formation of dental caries, such as sugary foods.

Answer 28

Cariogenic

Question 29

A critical factor in preventing caries; saliva helps buffer acids and facilitates remineralization.

Answer 29

Salivary Flow Rate

Question 30

A mineral used in caries prevention to enhance remineralization and make enamel more resistant to decay.

Answer 30

Fluoride

Question 31

Thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent caries in the pits and fissures.

Answer 31

Sealants

Question 32

Dry mouth condition that increases caries risk due to reduced salivary flow.

Answer 32

Xerostomia