Diseases of teeth and gums (ORAL PRACTICE)

Question 1

What is the most common disease related to teeth?

Answer 1

Tooth decay (caries)

Tooth decay is a frequent dental disease caused by various factors, primarily plaque buildup.

Question 2

What causes tooth decay?

Answer 2

Build-up of plaque on the surface of the tooth

Plaque ferments sugars and starches into acid that dissolves enamel.

Question 3

What is the normal pH range of the mouth?

Answer 3

Normal pH is 7

During tooth decay, the pH can drop to between 5.5 and 4.5.

Question 4

What happens to the enamel during tooth decay?

Answer 4

It gets dissolved

The acid produced by plaque leads to a lower pH that dissolves the enamel.

Question 5

What are white spot lesions?

Answer 5

The first sign of dental decay

These lesions indicate early demineralization of the enamel.

Question 6

How can plaque be reduced?

Answer 6

By the addition of fluoride and flossing

Fluoride strengthens the tooth surface, while flossing removes plaque from between teeth.

Question 7

What is gingivitis?

Answer 7

A disease of the gingiva

Gingivitis occurs around the margin of the gums or between teeth.

Question 8

What can untreated gingivitis lead to?

Answer 8

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an inflammation of the bone structure and is more harmful than gingivitis.

Question 9

What does periodontitis affect?

Answer 9

The cementum and bond

Periodontitis involves inflammation that can damage the supporting structures of the teeth.

Question 10

True or False: Periodontitis is less harmful than gingivitis.

Answer 10

False

Periodontitis is more harmful than gingivitis if not treated.