LP2 Flashcards
Can the DH diagnose caries?
no, but we must know the process of how it works
caries are _____ (6)
- infection
- transmissible
- controllable
- communicable
- preventable
- all ages are suspects
what are the 4 required factors for caries development
- susceptible host
- cariogenic bacteria
- acid producing source
- salivary factors
is the enamel surface more caries resistant than the subsurface?
true
how does decalcification occur
occurs by acid production through bacterial fermentation
does a low or high pH decalcify enamel?
low pH
what are some featured of acid production
- amount of plaque
- predominant microflora
- rate of salivary flow
- location of plaque
what does saliva do during the demineralization process
supplies minerals and replace elements lost
saliva is a source of _____ transfer
fluoride
3 steps in remineralization
- tooth is attacked by acids in plaque and saliva
- calcium and phosphate dissolve from the enamel in the process of demineralization
- fluoride, phosphate, and calcium re-enter the enamel in a process called remineralization
Phase 1 subsurface demineralization
acid products from cariogenic dental biofilm pass through pores of the enamel
during Phase 1 formation, is the area of demineralization visible clinically?
not during the initial changes
what is the first clinical evidence during Phase 1 formation
white spot appears with no breakthrough to enamel surface.
if caries process reaches the pulp what will result?
swelling, sensitivity to temperature changes and pain will result
define biofilm
matrix-enclosed bacterial populations adherent to each other and or to surfaces or interfaces
what are the significant 7 microorganisms associated with biofilm
- streptococci mutans
- streptococci sobrinus
- streptococci sanguis
- streptococci mitis
- streptococci salivarius
- lactobacilli
- actinomyces
characteristics of stretpococci mutans (gram, where is it found, etc)
- 1st main microorganism found in caries
- gram positive
- found in large numbers over smooth carious lesions
- not found in the mouth of babies
- decrease in numbers as teeth are lost
- aciduric
characteristics of streptococci sobrinus
- gram positive
- found in mouth of infants
- settles on pits and fissures
characteristics of streptococci sanguis
- gram positive
- nonmotile
- found in dental plaque of healthy persons
characteristics of streptococci mitis
- gram positive
- nonmotile
- can break down in RBC
characteristics of streptococci salivarius
- gram positive
- first bacterium which colonizes dental plaque
- linked to mouth odor
characteristics of lactobacilli
- gram positive
- found in deeper lesions
- metabolically 7 active at pH of 5.0
- cannot initiate caries process
- acidogenic and aciduric
characteristics of actinomyces
- gram positive
- can be anerobic or facultive anerobic
- associated with root caries
what is the main substance for cariogenic bacteria
sucrose
Do starches have a low or high cariogenic activity?
low
when does acid formation begin once a cariogenic substance is taken into biofilm
immediately
once biofilm has attached to the tooth surface and the pH level drops, if left undisturbed, it will take how long for the pH to return to normal?
1-2 hours
if food or a cariogenic substance has not occured, pH levels are what?
6.2-7.0
is the pH lower or higher than 6.2-7.0 in high risk caries patients?
the range is lower
at what pH does enamel demineralization begin at?
4.5-5.5
is the root surface of a tooth softer or harder which makes it more porous than enamel?
softer which makes it break down faster
the amount of demineralization is directly related to the amount of time the ____ has had an opportunity to be on the tooth surface
acid
should a DH recommend drinking soda through-out the day or in one sitting?
one sitting
what can we do to decrease biofilm?
- brushing/flossing
- increase fluoride exposure
- implementation of sealant placement
- decrease sugar foods and increase detergent foods
- establish a recall
what is the sequence of caries process?
- cariogenic foods
- dental biofilm
- acid formation
- demineralization
- dental caries
what is the primary role to prevent the disease process of caries from progressing
educate patients to prevent the disease process
