Core Dental Concepts Flashcards
What causes tooth decay? (1)
Bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus mutans) produce acid that erodes enamel.
What are contributing factors to tooth decay? (3)
- Poor oral hygiene
- High sugar intake
- Dry mouth
What are common signs of cavities? (4)
- Toothache
- Sensitivity
- Visible pits/holes
- Dark spots
How often should you have dental check-ups? (1)
- Every 6 months
What are ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease? (4)
- Brush twice daily
- Floss daily
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Reduce sugar intake
How should persistent tooth pain be managed? (1)
- See a dentist to evaluate for infection.
What are causes of bad breath? (4)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dry mouth
- Gum disease
- Foods like garlic and onions
What is a dental abscess? (1)
- A pocket of pus caused by infection.
How is tooth sensitivity treated? (3)
- Desensitizing toothpaste
- Fluoride treatments
- Bonding procedures
What is the reversibility of gum disease? (2)
- Gingivitis: Reversible
- Periodontitis: Manageable but not fully reversible
What are proper brushing and flossing habits? (2)
- Brush for 2 minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily to remove plaque
Why is oral health important during pregnancy? (1)
- Hormonal changes increase gingivitis risk.
What is periodontitis, and how is it treated? (3)
- Severe gum infection damaging tissue and bone.
- Treated with scaling, root planing, and sometimes surgery.
What are common symptoms of Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD)? (3)
- Jaw pain
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Difficulty chewing
What is fluorosis? (1)
- Discoloration from excess fluoride during tooth development.
What are common causes of dry mouth? (3)
- Medication side effects
- Dehydration
- Medical conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome
What causes dental erosion, and how is it prevented? (2)
- Acid exposure from acidic foods/drinks.
- Prevent by reducing acidic intake.
What is bruxism, and how is it treated? (2)
- Teeth grinding
- Treated with mouthguards, stress management, and lifestyle changes.
How is oral health linked to overall health? (3)
- Linked to diabetes
- Heart disease
- Respiratory infections
What is the difference between a bridge and a denture? (2)
- Bridge: Fixed replacement for missing teeth
- Denture: Removable appliance for multiple teeth
Why are regular dental check-ups important? (2)
- Prevent disease progression
- Detect issues early
What are risks of untreated infections? (3)
- Abscesses
- Tooth loss
- Systemic infections like sepsis
What does fluoride do for teeth? (3)
- Strengthens enamel
- Prevents decay
- Promotes remineralization
What are dental implants? (1)
- Artificial tooth roots supporting prosthetic teeth.
How does diet impact oral health? (2)
- High sugar increases decay risk.
- Acidic foods increase erosion risk.
What is the difference between a root canal and an extraction? (2)
- Root canal: Saves the natural tooth.
- Extraction: Removes the entire tooth.
How does teeth grinding affect oral health? (3)
- Causes enamel wear
- Tooth fractures
- Jaw pain
How does gum disease link to cardiovascular disease? (1)
- Gum inflammation may contribute to heart disease risk.
What are complications of untreated gum disease? (3)
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Increased systemic disease risk
What is the link between oral health and respiratory disease? (1)
- Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, causing infections.
