Oral Health Aspects

Question 1

where is flow speed of saliva greatest and lowest

Answer 1

greatest in lower lingual

lowest in upper buccal

Question 2

cariogenic

Answer 2

causing tooth decay

Question 3

how does saliva flow rate impact caries location

Answer 3

cariogenic sugars are retained for longer in areas with lesser flow meaning more caries are seen in upper buccal regions

Question 4

clearance

Answer 4

rate at which substances are removed from the mouth

Question 5

why should topical fluoride be tasteless and sucked not chewed

Answer 5

to lessen salivary flow rates

increased salivary flow will increase clearance

Question 6

stephan curve

Answer 6

plaque pH change over time

Question 7

effect of chewing gum on saliva

Answer 7

large intitial increase on flow rate due to pressure on PDLs but this does not persist
causes a pH rise and this effect persists
(much larger pH increase when bicarbonate containing gum is chewed )

Question 8

does chewing gum remove plaque

Answer 8

bo

Question 9

when is xerostomia diagnosed

Answer 9

when salivary flow rates fall below 50% of normal

such reductions require loss of function of more than one major salivary gland

Question 10

causes of decreased salivary flow

Answer 10

salivary gland diseases
radiotherapy
drug side effects
sjogrens

Question 11

impacts of decreased salivary flow

Answer 11

increased caries especially smooth surface caries
increased oral disease
diminished taste

Question 12

is water a good salivary substitute

Answer 12

no

saliva substitutes should be mucin or cellulose based