Diet and Fluoride in Dental Health - PPPHC Flashcards
What is the relationship between diet and dental health?
Diet is a common risk factor for dental diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases.
What are the key elements included in a person’s diet?
A person’s diet includes all foods and drinks consumed habitually, which contributes to their overall health.
What is dental caries, and how has it been managed historically?
Dental caries is tooth decay caused by bacteria, and it has been a prevalent disease for centuries. Modern dentistry focuses on prevention and early intervention.
What is the cause of dental caries?
Dental caries is caused by acid-forming bacteria in dental plaque, which destroys tooth structure when sugar is present.
What are the three essential factors for the formation of dental caries?
The three requirements for dental caries are cariogenic bacteria, sugar, and teeth.
What role do cariogenic bacteria play in the development of dental caries?
Cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque metabolize sugars to produce acids, leading to tooth decay.
How can demineralization of teeth occur?
Demineralization occurs when acids produced by bacteria dissolve the mineral content of tooth enamel.
What factors contribute to the remineralization of teeth?
Factors contributing to remineralization include saliva, good oral hygiene, and a non-cariogenic diet.
What are the phases involved in the development of dental decay?
The cyclic process of dental decay involves demineralization followed by remineralization, with bacteria and food creating an acidic environment in the mouth.
How does frequent feeding contribute to the development of dental caries?
Frequent feedings provide a constant source of sugar, which fuels cariogenic bacteria and contributes to tooth decay.
What dietary measures can help prevent dental caries?
Preventive measures include avoiding sugary foods, using fluoride, and applying fissure sealants to teeth.
What are some qualities of a diet with low cariogenic potential?
A diet with low cariogenic potential includes low sugar, high protein, moderate fat, and high mineral content, with foods like vegetables and whole milk.
What is fluoride, and how does it help prevent dental caries?
Fluoride is a natural compound of fluorine that helps prevent dental caries by making tooth enamel more resistant to decay.
How is fluoride absorbed and transported in the body?
Fluoride is absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract, is highly bioavailable, and is transported in plasma to calcified tissues like teeth and bones.
What is the relationship between fluoride and the prevention of dental caries?
Fluoride helps prevent dental caries by increasing enamel resistance and promoting remineralization of early lesions.
What is the mechanism of fluoride action before and after tooth eruption?
Pre-eruptive fluoride makes enamel more resistant to decay, while post-eruptive fluoride promotes remineralization and inhibits demineralization of early lesions.
How does fluoride help with remineralization of early carious lesions?
Fluoride enhances the precipitation of apatite, aiding in the remineralization of teeth affected by early carious attacks.
What are the systemic methods of fluoride application?
Systemic fluoride applications include fluoridated water, milk, and dietary supplements.
How is fluoride used in public water fluoridation, and what concentration is recommended?
Public water fluoridation adds fluoride to drinking water at concentrations of 0.7–1.2 ppm to prevent caries, with 1 ppm being optimal.
What effect does fluoride have on enamel and caries prevention?
Fluoride strengthens enamel by converting hydroxyapatite to fluoroapatite, which is more resistant to acids.
What are the consequences of high fluoride concentrations in water (over 2ppm)?
Fluoride concentrations over 2 ppm can cause structural defects like mottled enamel.
What is mottled enamel, and how is it related to fluoride exposure?
Mottled enamel is a defect caused by excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development, leading to opaque, stained, and brittle enamel.
How are fluoride tablets used in the prevention of dental caries?
Fluoride tablets provide topical and systemic fluoride, with recommended doses based on age.
What are fluoride salts, and where have they been used?
Fluoride salts, primarily used in Switzerland, are added to table salt to provide a consistent daily dose of fluoride.
