Nutritional Aspects of Dental Caries: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Flashcards
Caries results from which combination of factors?
Susceptible host or tooth surface
Sufficient quantity of cariogenic microorganisms in the mouth
Presence of fermentable carbohydrates
Particular composition or flow of saliva
pH drops bellow 5.5
How can dental caries be prevented?
Maintaining a balanced diet, consuming non-cariogenic foods, and ensuring adequate saliva flow.
What minerals are found in saliva?
Calcium bicarbonate
phosphate
fluoride
protein
What are the functions of saliva?
Neutralizing acids, protecting teeth, reducing bacterial adherence, and aiding in food transport.
What are cariogenic foods?
Foods that lower pH below 5.5 and promote bacterial metabolism, such as candy, cookies, dried fruit, and chips.
What is the critical pH for enamel demineralization?
Below 5.5
How do sugar alcohols affect dental health?
They are slowly fermented, allowing saliva to neutralize acids; xylitol is not fermented by oral bacteria.
What are cariostatic or non-cariogenic foods?
Foods that do not lower pH below 5.5, including meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, and calcium-rich foods.
What are acidogenic foods?
Foods that directly lower pH below 5.5.
What fruits contain fermentable carbohydrates?
Apples, bananas, and grapes.
What are examples of fermentable carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides and disaccharides like glucose, fructose, and sucrose.
What vegetables contain fermentable carbohydrates?
Onions, garlic, and legumes.
What grains contain fermentable carbohydrates?
Wheat, rice, and corn.
What processed foods contain fermentable carbohydrates?
Chips, cookies, and crackers.
What sugary drinks contain fermentable carbohydrates?
Soda, juice, and sports drinks.
What starchy foods contain fermentable carbohydrates?
Potatoes, bread, and cakes.
How does polypharmacy affect the oral cavity?
It can cause xerostomia, increased caries risk, oral candidiasis, and tardive dyskinesia.
What types of foods stimulate salivary flow?
High-fiber fruits and vegetables, sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol, and cheese or dairy products rich in calcium and phosphorus.
Why does xerostomia increase the risk of caries?
Reduced salivary flow leads to less acid neutralization and increased bacterial growth.
What dietary counseling can help prevent dental erosion?
Limit acidic intake, rinse with water or dairy after acidic foods, and avoid brushing immediately after acid exposure.
What are the main causes of dental erosion?
Frequent acidic food and drink consumption, gastric reflux, and bulimia.
How can caries be prevented through diet?
Limit fermentable carbohydrates, encourage saliva-stimulating foods, avoid frequent snacking, and consume calcium- and phosphorus-rich foods.
What are examples of non-cariogenic beverages?
Water, plain milk, and unsweetened tea.
What are examples of non-cariogenic foods?
Cheese.
What sugar alcohols have cariostatic properties?
Xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol.
