Disorders of the oral cavity chapt 45

Question 1

What is tooth decay

Answer 1

an erosive process that begins with the action of bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates in the mouth, which produces acids that dissolve tooth enamel.

Question 2

What causes caries and periodontal disease?

Answer 2

nutrition
soft drink consumption
genetic predisposition

Question 3

How does dental decay happen?

Answer 3

1. it begins with a small hole, usually in a fissure or an area that is hard to clean.
2. Left unchecked the decay extends into the dentin.
3. B/C dentin is not as hard as enamel the decay progresses more rapidly and in time reaches the pulp of the tooth

Question 4

How do dentists determine the extent of damage

Answer 4

using x-ray studies.

Question 5

Treatment for dental caries

Answer 5

fillings
dental implants
extraction

Question 6

Prevention of dental caries

Answer 6

1. applying fluoride/varnish gel
2. using fluoride toothpaste, applying dental sealants, and ensuring community water fluoridation.
3. Good oral hygiene
4. routine dental exams
5. refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol use
6. making good dietary choices
7. managing related systemic diseases

Question 7

Mouth care for an ill patient

Answer 7

The most effective method is mechanical brushing. if that’s not possible wipe the teeth with a gauze pad and then have the pt swish with an antiseptic mouthwash several times before expectorating into an emesis basin.

Question 8

Actinic Cheilitis signs and symptoms

Answer 8

irritation of lips associated with scaling, crusting, fissure; white overgrowth of horny layer of epidermis
**Considered a premalignant squamous cell skin cancer

Question 9

Actinic Cheilitis possible causes

Answer 9

Exposure to sun, more common in fair-skinned people and in those whose occupations involve sun exposure,

Question 10

Actinic Cheilitis Nursing considerations

Answer 10

educate patient on importance of protecting lips from the sun by using protective ointment such as sunblock. Instruct pt to have a periodic checkup by PCP

Question 11

Chancre signs and symptoms

Answer 11

a reddened circumscribed lesion that ulcerates and becomes crusted

Question 12

Chancre possible causes

Answer 12

primary lesion of syphilis

Question 13

Chancre Nursing Considerations

Answer 13

Use comfort measures such as cold soaks to lip, mouth care, administer antibiotics as prescribed, instruct pt regarding contagion, use topical over the counter agents or antiviral agents.

Question 14

Herpes simplex virus- 1 signs and symptoms

Answer 14

symptoms may be delayed up to 20 days after exposure; singular or clustered, irregular, painful vesicles throughout the oral cavity and lips that may rupture.

Question 15

Herpes simplex virus- 1 possible causes

Answer 15

An opportunistic infection; frequently seen in patients who are immunosuppressed. May recur with menstruation, fever, or sun exposure.

Question 16

Herpes simplex virus- 1 Nursing Considerations

Answer 16

use acyclovir ointment or systemic medications as prescribed. Administer analgesic agents as prescribed. Instruct patient to avoid irritating food.

Question 17

Leukoplakia signs and symptoms

Answer 17

white patches; may be hyperkeratotic; usually in buccal mucosa; typically painless.

Question 18

Oral hairy leukoplakia possible causes

Answer 18

Possibly viral, related to smoking and the use of tobacco. Associated with HIV infection

Question 19

Oral hairy leukoplakia Nursing Considerations

Answer 19

Instruct patient to see the primary provider if condition persists >2 weeks.

Question 20

Candidiasis signs and symptoms

Answer 20

Cheesy white plaque that looks like milk curds; when rubbed off, it leaves an erythematous and often bleeding base.

Question 21

Candidiasis possible causes

Answer 21

Candida Albicans fungus; predisposing factors include diabetes, antibiotic therapy, and immunosuppression

Question 22

Candidiasis Nursing considerations

Answer 22

antifungal medications such as nystatin or clotrimazole may be prescribed as suspensions or troche; when used as suspension, instruct the patient to swish vigorously for at least 1 minute and then swallow. If these treatments fail, oral agents such as fluconazole may be prescribed.

Question 23

Stomatitis signs and symptoms

Answer 23

mild erythema and edema; severe forms include painful ulcerations, bleeding, and secondary infection

Question 24

Stomatitis nursing considerations

Answer 24

prophylactic mouth care, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing, for any pt receiving chemo or radiation. Educate about proper oral hygiene, including the use of a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Avoid alcohol-based mouth rinses and hot or spicy foods. Apply topical anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anesthetic agents as prescribed

Question 25

Gingivitis signs and symptoms

Answer 25

painful, inflamed, swollen gums; usually, the gums bleed in response to light contact

Question 26

Gingivitis possible causes

Answer 26

reversible form of inflammation of the gingiva. Associated with poor oral hygiene; food debris, bacterial plaque, and calculus accumulate. Gums may also swell in response to puberty, pregnancy, certain meds, AIDS, or nutritional status