Dental Caries

Question 1

What factors are necessary for caries to occur?

Answer 1

Host factors
Plaque
Time
Substrate

Question 2

Describe host factors aspect of dental caries

Answer 2

• saliva, buffers plaque acid, slows caries process
• critical role in remin-provides calcium, phosphates, fluoride
• xerostomia will increase caries risk

Question 3

Describe plaque aspect of dental caries

Answer 3

• biofilm containing acidogenic, aciduric bacteria (streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli)
• Once pH drops below 5.5, demin occurs (20 mins or longer depending on availability of substrate

Question 4

Describe substrate aspect of dental caries

Answer 4

Bacteria use fermentable carbohydrates for energy (sucrose), produce acid

Question 5

Describe time aspect of dental caries

Answer 5

-consists of continual demin and remin, a balance must be maintained to prevent caries- need time to remin to occur. If fermentable carbs are consumed too frequently, caries will occur

Question 6

What are some caries risk factors

Answer 6

• previous caries/restorations
• bacteria
• saliva
• poor oral hygiene
• family history
• ortho appliances
• lack of fluoride- water etc
• medical factors, medications
• mobility issues
• patient attitude
• hypomin
• ethnicity
• socioeconomic status

Question 7

What are some diet related prevention strategies

Answer 7

• food frequency (give teeth a rest 2hrs(
• sweet and sticky foods to mealtimes
• suitable snacks (sugar subs)
• Dairy food protection
• clearance time of food
• avoid sugary baby bottles-b4 bed
• acidic drinks and frequency
• straws

Question 8

What are 5 situations with decreased saliva?

Answer 8

• extreme exercise
• drugs (eg steroid inhalers)
• radiotherapy
• diseases of the salivary glands
• missing salivary glands

Question 9

Describe dental caries

Answer 9

Fermentation of dietary sugars to organic acids by microorganisms in plaque on the tooth surface- rapid acid formation- lowers pH level at the enamel surface below 5.5-demin-pH will rise when sugar no longer available- caries progresses when demin>remin

Question 10

What are some consequences of reduced saliva

Answer 10

• Alteration in diet
• Increased caries
• Increased erosion

Question 11

What are 7 functions of saliva

Answer 11

digestion-amylase
taste- dissolves
buffering-bicarb
remin-Ca, PO4, F
protection- antibodies, antibac
excretion- water and plasma components
fluid-balance

Question 12

What are some factors to consider while giving caries prevention advice

Answer 12

• Access to oral health products/care
• systemic diseases
• socioeconomic status
• medications
• career
• dexterity
• Special needs eg ARFID