ICCMS Flashcards
What percentage of children aged 2-8 years have dental caries in their primary teeth?
37%
What is the prevalence of dental caries in adolescents aged 12-19 years?
58% in permanent teeth.
What percentage of adults aged 20 years and older have dental caries?
90%
Where does dental decay commonly begin?
Occlusal surfaces and proximal contacts of teeth.
Which bacteria is primarily responsible for dental caries?
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans).
How does S. mutans contribute to tooth decay?
It breaks down sugars, producing lactic acid, which causes demineralization.
What is plaque and why is it important in caries development?
A soft, sticky film of bacteria that adheres to teeth and promotes decay.
How does saliva help prevent dental caries?
It buffers acids, clears bacteria, prevents demineralization, and enhances remineralization.
What is the best time to brush your teeth?
Before bedtime due to reduced saliva flow during sleep.
How long should you brush your teeth?
At least 2 minutes.
When should you floss in your oral hygiene routine?
Before brushing.
How does fluoride strengthen teeth?
It gets incorporated as fluorapatite, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
What are some sources of fluoride?
Fluoridated water, toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, and varnishes.
Name three major risk factors for caries.
High sugar intake, poor oral hygiene, and low fluoride exposure.
What are the three levels of caries risk?
Low, Moderate, and High.
How should caries be diagnosed?
Visual and radiographic examination.
How do you differentiate between an active and inactive lesion?
Active lesions: Matte white; Inactive lesions: Shiny white or brown.
Why should sharp explorers be avoided when diagnosing caries?
They can cause false positives and damage frail enamel.
Name two non-surgical treatment options for caries.
ICON system (resin infiltration) and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF).
What are the two main functions of Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Remineralizes enamel and kills bacteria (bactericidal).
How do sealants help prevent caries?
They create a smooth surface that prevents bacterial colonization in pits and fissures.
Who should receive professionally applied fluoride?
High-risk patients with multiple carious lesions.
What is the main principle of conservative caries treatment?
Prioritize non-surgical methods when possible and monitor lesions over time.
When should surgical intervention be considered?
Only if cavitation has occurred and non-surgical options are ineffective.
