Cariology Flashcards
What is dental caries
The chemical dissolution of the dental hard tissues (enamel, dentine, cementum) by the acid produced when bacteria degrade sugars
An infectious disease with progressive destruction of tooth substance
What is dental plaque
Biofilm consisting of a community of microorganisms enclosed in a matrix of extra cellular material derived from the cells adhered to a tooth surface
What are the 4 elements required for caries initiation and development
Plaque with cariogenic bacteria
Time
Susceptible tooth surface
Fermentable carbohydrates/substrate
What is the non specific plaque hypothesis
Caries is caused by the overall activity of the oral micoflora
What is the specific plaque hypothesis
Caries caused by a specific subset of bacteria
What is the ecological plaque hypothesis
Bacteria form communities with some less cariogenic species supporting and encouraging the growth of the most damaging species
What are the 2 most damaging species of ecological plaque
Aciduric
Acidogenic
What type of pH does aciduric thrive
At a low pH
What does acidogenic thrive on
The consume of sugars for energy and produce lactic acid
What is the chemical symbol for hydroxyapatite
Ca10(PO4)6OH2
What is the equation for hydroxyapatite in acidic or low pH conditions
10Ca2+ + 6(PO4)2- + OH-
What is the normal porosity of enamel
0.1%
What is porosity
A measure of the void spaces in a material
What are the 4 parts to demineralisation of enamel in order from outside to in
Surface
Body
Dark
Translucent
How much is the porosity of the body of demineralised enamel
5-25%
