Lecture 3: Oral health lecture Flashcards
What are the digestive processes that occur in the oral cavity? (4)
Mechanical, chemical, propulsion and ingestion
What is propulsion?
The movement of food through the digestive tract.
It includes both the voluntary process of swallowing and the involuntary process of peristalsis.
What are the functions of saliva? (6)
(1) Cleans the mouth
(2) Dissolves food for taste
(3) Moistens food to aid bolus formation
(4) Chemical digestion of carbohydrates via the digestive enzymes salivary amylase
(5) Immune protection
(6) The lubricating effect that protects the mucus membranes
Name a few common oral cavity cysts and sores (3)
1) Epstein pearls (infants)
2) Mucocele/ranula (sara bubble)
3) Aphthous ulcer (normal ulcer when tired)
What is a epstein pearls in infants?
Benign keratin-filled cystic lesions commonly found on the palate or gums in infants.
They occur when oral tissues become trapped during fetal development.
Appear as small, whitish-yellow and firm lesions, often in clusters. Are asymptomatic and do not affect normal oral functions and resolve (involute or rupture) on their own.
What are mucocele/ranula
Mucus filled cystic lesion of the salivary glands.Most commonly appear on the bottom lip or oral cavity floor.
Occur due to damage or blockage of the ducts from the salivary glands, resulting in a build-up of saliva/mucus in the surrounding tissues.
May have a bluish, translucent appearance.If superficial they may resolve on their own, or they may need to be excised (cut out surgically) (this decreases the likelihood of recurrence).
What are aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
Your normal open sore (ulcer) of the mucous membrane. Most commonly found on the inner lips or checks.
Can be causes from mechanical trauma, stress, illness/infection, certain foods/ chemicals/ hormonal changes. Family history may play a role as well.
Ulcers typically resolve on their own and do not require treatment, however if severe or recurrent, protective mechanisms (e.g. stress reduction, local anaesthetic) or treatments (e.g. topical medications) may be used.
Name two oral infections
1) Herpes simplex infection
2) Candidiasis
What is herpes simplx infection
Herpes simplex 1 virus most commonly affects the oral cavity.
In a primary infection, this typically presents as gingivostomatitis (infection of the mouth and gums that leads to swelling and sores), alongside systemic signs & symptoms (e.g. fever, swollen lymph nodes).
Gingivostomatitis is painful and can therefore affect food & drink intake.
In subsequent reinfections, herpes simplex 1 commonly presents with cold sores on and around the lips.
Treatment may include covering sores/blisters, pain relief and possibly anti-viral medication
What is candidiasis?
Infection with one of the Candida yeasts, most commonlyC. albicans.
C. albicansis part of the normal flora of the oral cavity, but overgrowth of the species can lead to candidiasis. It appears as chalky white patches on the mucous membrane and may be acute or chronic.
There are numerous factors which may predispose to oral candidiasis and it can be avoided through certain preventative measures (e.g. regular brushing). It may be treated with certain anti-fungals.
Describe tooth development
Teeth develop within the mandible and maxillary bones.
The crown then emerges with the roots still attached to the bone via the periodontal ligament
What are the four kinds of teeth?
- incisors
- canines
- premolars
- molars
What are the hard tissues in the teeth and why?
Enamel, dentine and cementum are hard tissues as they are mineralised (tissues containing mineralises that harden them)
What is the soft tissue in the teeth?
The root as it contains blood vessels and nerves.
What are the two sets of teeth people have in their life?
Primary dentition and secondary dentition
