Preventive Procedures - PP week 3 (2.1-2.6) Flashcards
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infectious disease process that involves inflammation of the structures of the periodontium
* Causes a breakdown of the periodontium, resulting in loss of tissue attachment and destruction of the alveolar bone
Prevalence of Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults
- 47%+ of adults 30+ have a form or periodontal disease; 70%+ of adults 65+
- Almost all adults and many children have calculus on their teeth
Seven out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their
lives. It is the most common dental problem, and it can progress quite painlessly until you have a real problem.
That’s why it is so important to prevent gum disease before it becomes serious
What is the periodontium?
The periodontium is made up of structures that surround, support, and are attached to the teeth
Gingivae
commonly referred to as gums. This mucosa covers the alveolar process of the jaws and surrounds the necks of the teeth
Epithelial attachment
Tissue at the base of the sulcus where the gingiva attaches to the tooth
sulcus
space between the tooth and the free gingiva
periodontal ligaments
dense connective fibers that connect the cementum covering the root of the tooth with the alveolar bone of the socket wall
cementum
covers the root of the tooth. The primary function of the cementum is to anchor the tooth to the bony socket with the attachments of the periodontal ligaments.
alveolar bone
bone that supports the tooth in its position within the jaw. The alveolar socket is the cavity in the bone that surrounds the tooth
Is gingivitis reversible?
YES - it is reversible. If you do not treat gingivitis, then periodontitis follows.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
- Bacterial plaque (dental plaque, oral biofilm)
- Calculus (tartar)
◦ Provides a surface to which biofilm can attach
◦ Two types:
▪ Supragingival calculus found above the margin of the gingiva
▪ Subgingival calculus on root surfaces below the gingival margin
that can extend into periodontal pockets
Although biofilm is the primary factor causing periodontal disease, the type of
bacteria, length of time bacteria are left undisturbed on the teeth, and patient
response to bacteria are all critical factors in the risk for periodontal disease.
Biofilm cannot be removed simply by rinsing the mouth. Bacteria in biofilm cause
inflammation by producing enzymes and toxins that destroy periodontal tissues and
lower host defenses
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Red, swollen, or tender gingiva
- Bleeding gingiva while brushing or flossing
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pain or pressure when chewing
- Pus around the teeth or gingival tissues
Risk Factors for Periodontal disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Osteoporosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Stress
- Medications
- Local Factors
What helps neutralize sugary/sticky/acidic foods?
Cheese
Risk Factor: Smoking
Smokers have greater loss of attachment, bone loss, periodontal pocket depths, calculus formation, and tooth loss. Periodontal treatments are less effective in smokers than in non-smokers.
Risk Factors: Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a strong risk factor for periodontal disease. Individuals with diabetes are 3 times more likely to have attachment and bone loss. Persons who have their diabetes under control have less attachment and bone loss than do those with poor control.
Risk Factor: Poor Oral Hygiene
Lack of good oral hygiene increases the risk for periodontal disease in all age groups. Excellent oral hygiene greatly reduces the risk for severe periodontal disease.
Osteoporosis
An association has been reported between alveolar bone and osteoprosis. Women with osteoporosis have increased alveolar bone resorption, attachment loss, and tooth loss compared with women without osteoporosis. Estrogen deficiency also has been linked to decreases in alveolar bone.
Systemic Risk Factors: HIV/AIDS
Increased gingival inflammation is noted around the margins of all teeth. Often, patients with HIV/AIDS develop necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis.
Systemic Risk Factor: Stress
Psychological stress is associated with depression of the immune system, and studies show a link between stress and periodontal attachment loss. Research is ongoing to identify the link between psychological stress and periodontal disease.
Systemic Risk Factors: Medications
Some medications, such as tetracycline and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, have a beneficial effect on the periodontium, and others have a negative effect.
Decreased salivary flow (xerostomia) can be caused by more than 400 medications. Antseizure drugs and hormones can cause gingival enlargement.
Systemic Risk Factors: Local Factors
Overhanging restorations, subgingival placement of crown margins, orthodontic appliances, and removable partial dentures also may contribute to the progression of
periodontal disease.
Oral conditions that increase an individual’s susceptibility to
periodontal disease:
- Calculus
- Tooth position
- Tooth morphology
- Occlusion
- Poor oral hygiene
- Habits
- Food impaction
- Faulty restorations and appliances
- Periodontal disease is an inclusive term describing any disease of the
periodontium and includes the following:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
Stages of Periodontal Disease
- Four stages:
◦ Gingivitis
◦ Early periodontitis
◦ Moderate periodontitis
◦ Advanced periodontitis
Periodontal Disease Stage: Gingivitis
Gum tissue may
be inflamed,
swollen, and
bleeds easily
during brushing,
flossing, or
examination by
your dental
professional.
- Reversible & no bone loss
Periodontal Disease Stage: Early Periodontitis
Continued
inflammation, loss
of gum
attachment and
bone support
Not reversible & bone loss
Periodontal Disease Stage: Moderate Periodontitis
Supporting gum
and bone tissue
have
deteriorated, and
the tooth loosens.
-not reversible, bone loss
Periodontal Disease Stage: Advanced Periodontitis
severe
destruction of
tissue and bone,
causing tooth loss
- not reversible, bone loss
Healthy Gingiva tissue
Gum is firm, fits
tightly to the
teeth, and does
not bleed
Modifiable Risk Factors
Tobacco use - Greater bone loss and calculus formation than non
smokers
Hyperglycemia (undiagnosed or uncontrolled
diabetes) - high blood glucose levels can increase susceptibility
to infections, including periodontitis or periodontal
abscesses
Bacterial plaque biofilm, clinical attachment loss,
and age - Age is also a factor because periodontal attachment loss is cumulative over time
Leukemia - significant bleeding attributable to clotting
deficiencies
Hyposalivation (Xerostomia) dry mouth - Xerostomia is associated with more than 500 medication
Malnutrition (vitamin C) deficiency, known as scurvy, primarily - found in populations without an adequate food
supply or on those on restricted diets
Drug-induced gingival enlargement - several categories of drugs, such as calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine), immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., cyclosporine), and antiseizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), can cause drug-influenced gingival enlargement
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Past History of periodontal disease
Gender and Race
Age
The Systemic Connection
- Cardiovascular disease
◦ Individuals with periodontal disease have a greater
incidence of coronary heart disease - Preterm/low birth weight (PLBW)
◦ Women with severe periodontal disease have seven
times the risk of PLBW infants - Respiratory disease
◦ Individuals with periodontal disease may be at
increased risk for respiratory infection
Respiratory Disease
- Individuals with periodontal disease may also be at increased risk
for respiratory diseases. - Bacteria that have colonized in the mouth may alter the
respiratory epithelium, leaving it more susceptible to pneumonia. - Individual’s that may already have chronic respiratory conditions
may be further aggravated by the inhalation of bacteria from the
oral cavity causing further infection.
Dental Caries
- Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most common chronic
disease among children, teenagers, and adults over 65. - Emphasis is now on preventing future caries not just
dealing with already present decay
Bacterial Infection
- Two specific groups of bacteria found in the mouth are responsible for dental caries
1. Mutans streptococci (MS) (Streptococcus mutans)
2. Lactobacilli (LB) - They are found in relatively large numbers in dental plaque
- The presence of lactobacilli in the mouth indicates a high sugar intake
The oral cavity of a newborn does not contain MS. However, these bacteria are transmitted through contact with saliva (most frequently the mother’s saliva) to
the infant.
Mothers are the most common source of disease-causing MS because of the close and frequent contact that takes place between mother and child during the first few years. (kissing, sharing a spoon)
Oral biofilm
- Oral biofilm is a colorless, soft, sticky coating that adheres to the teeth
- Oral biofilm remains attached to the tooth despite movement of the tongue, water rinsing, water spray, and less-than-thorough brushing
- Formation of oral biofilm on a tooth concentrates millions of microorganisms on that tooth
For caries to develop, three factors must be present at the same time
- A susceptible tooth
- A diet rich in fermentable carbohydrates
- Specific bacteria (regardless of other factors, caries
cannot occur without bacteria)
Areas for Development of Caries
- Pit-and-fissure caries occurs primarily on the occlusal surfaces and the buccal and lingual grooves of posterior teeth, as well as in the lingual pits of the maxillary incisors
- Smooth surface caries occurs on intact enamel other than pits and fissures
- Root surface caries occurs on any surface of the root
- Secondary, or recurrent, caries occurs on the tooth surrounding a restoration
Stages of Caries Development
- Caries is an active, ongoing process characterized
by alternating periods of demineralization and
remineralization - Stage 1: caries begins to demineralize the enamel
- Stage 2: development of cavity or lesion
Dental Caries Process Stage 1
Demineralization is the first step in the dental caries process
The tooth surface will appear opaque, dull, and chalky-white
Secondary (Recurrent) Caries
- Form in the spaces between the teeth and margins of a restoration
- Not easily seen, thus diagnosis is difficult
- New restorative materials may prevent recurrent
decay
Root Caries
- Occurs on the root of teeth that have gingival recession that exposes root surfaces
- Becoming more prevalent and is a concern for members of the elderly population, who often have gingival recession, exposing the root surfaces
- Older people often take medications known to reduce saliva flow, which contributes to caries
Prevention of Root Caries
- Thorough plaque removal with brushing and flossing
- Nutritional counseling
- Patient Education
- In-office and/or prescription fluoride products (containing
5000 ppm)Remineralization products that contain calcium phosphate - For patients with xerostomia, stimulate saliva with use of sugarless chewing gum or sugarless candies, or apply saliva substitutes, such as gels, sprays, or liquids
- No one method will be ideal for all patients, so recommendations should be based on the individual patient’s needs and caries risk assessment.
Early Childhood Caries
- An infectious disease that can happen in any family
- Tooth decay is the single most prevalent disease of childhood
Risk Factors:
a) Lower socioeconomic status
b) Particular ethnic groups
c) Limited access to dental care
d) Lack of water fluoridation
How Children get ECC
ECC is a transmissible disease
◦ Bacteria in the parent’s or caregiver’s mouth are passed to
the child
It is important for parents to keep their own teeth healthy to keep their children’s teeth healthy
Baby bottle tooth decay is another term for ECC
Contributing Factors to ECC
- Mother to the child, important for parents to keep their
teeth healthy. - Allowing a child to sleep with a bottle there is an
increased risk. - Avoid sugary and starchy foods.
Erosion
Loss of tooth structure by a chemical process that does not include bacterial involvement.
* Chemical dissolution of the tooth by:
◦ Chronic vomiting
◦ Diet
◦ Idiopathic
* Tooth surface appears smooth, shallow, hard and shiny.
The Importance of Saliva
- Physical protection involves a cleansing effect
◦ Thick, or viscous, saliva is less effective than a more
watery saliva in clearing carbohydrates - Chemical protection contains calcium, phosphate, and
fluoride - Antibacterial substances in saliva work against the bacteria
- If salivary function is reduced for any reason, the teeth are
at increased risk for decay
Antibacterial protection from Saliva
- Provides calcium and phosphate for remineralization
- Carries topical fluoride around the mouth for remineralization
- Neutralizes organic acids produced in plaque biofilm Discourages the
growth of bacteria, inhibiting infection - Recycles ingested fluoride into the mouth
- Protects hard and soft tissues from drying
- Facilitates chewing and swallowing
- Speeds oral clearance of food
Caries Assessment Systems
- Collecting data helps the dentist to determine the
treatment protocol - A dental health professional assesses an individual’s
risk factors and protective factors, then determines
the level of risk for caries - Not all patients are equally at risk
An individualized preventive plan is developed based on
the determined level of risk
Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA)
◦ An evidence-based strategy for preventive and
reparative care for early dental caries that can be used
in any dental office
* Caries Risk Tests
How to Control Tooth Decay
- Diet: Limit quantities of sugary and starchy foods, snacks, drinks, and candy (three snacks per day).
- Fluorides: Fluorides help make the tooth resistant to being dissolved by acids.
- Remove plaque: Perform thorough brushing and flossing to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces.
- Saliva: Saliva neutralizes acids and provides minerals and proteins that protect the tooth. After you have had a snack, chew some sugar-free gum to increase the flow of saliva and neutralize acids.
- Dental sealants: Sealants are an excellent preventive measure to be placed on children and young adults who are at risk for decay.
Contributing Factors for Dental Caries
Risk factors:
1. Tooth position and morphology
2. Fluoride
3. Oral hygiene
4. Genetics
5. Diet
6. Socioeconomic status
7. Xerostomia
8. High counts of cariogenic bacteria
The following methods are used to detect dental caries, and each has specific limitations:
- Dental explorer
- Radiographs
- Visual appearance
- Indicator dyes
- Laser caries detector
- Optical Coherence Tomography (type of x-ray that allows you to see inside)
The laser caries detector does not detect interproximal caries, subgingival caries, or secondary caries under crowns, inlays, or restorations
Caries Prevention
- Fluoride
- Antibacterial rinses
- Decrease fermentable carbohydrates
- Increase salivary flow
- Oral hygiene
Periodontium consists of
The periodontium consists of tissues that surround the teeth and attach them to the jawbone. These tissues include:
Gingiva
Periodontal Ligament
Cementum
Alveolar Bone
Each tissue plays a vital role in maintaining the health and function of the periodontium.
Gingiva role
Gingiva provides a protective seal around the neck of the tooth.
Periodontal Ligament
Suspends and holds the tooth in its socket.
Cementum
Anchors the periodontal ligament fibers to the tooth, keeping it in the socket.
Protects the root dentin.
Alveolar Bone
Surrounds and supports the tooth roots.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease (PD) is an infection that causes inflammation in the tissues surrounding the teeth. It affects the gums and damages the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. The disease is triggered by harmful bacteria that cause an inflammatory response in the body.
Prevelance of Periodontal disease
Most adults suffer from periodontal disease.
Severe periodontitis affects 10-15% of any population.
In Canada, 21% of adults with teeth have experienced moderate or severe periodontal disease.
Current Theory on the Cause of Periodontal Disease:
The host-bacterial interaction theory explains that while bacteria are necessary for PD to occur, they alone are not enough to cause the disease. The body’s response to bacteria plays a crucial role. Not everyone is equally susceptible to PD; some people are more at risk due to their body’s response to bacteria.
Periodontal Disease Process:
Dental Plaque (Biofilm):
Bacteria in plaque are necessary for PD to start.
Host Response:
The body’s reaction to bacteria, known as the host response, leads to tissue damage.
The interaction between bacteria and the host response causes tissue destruction.
Understanding the difference between health, gingivitis, and periodontitis is essential.
Types of Periodontal Disease:
Gingivitis:
The mildest form of PD causes gum inflammation without attachment loss.
Symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed but usually cause little discomfort.
Gingivitis is reversible with professional care and good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis:
A severe bacterial infection affects the gums, periodontal ligament, bone, and cementum.
The damage is irreversible, leading to periodontal pockets and tooth loss if untreated.
It starts as gingivitis and progresses when toxins from plaque cause a chronic inflammatory response, destroying tissue and bone.
Forms of Periodontitis:
Aggressive Periodontitis:
Occurs in otherwise healthy patients.
Characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction, often seen in families.
Chronic Periodontitis:
The most common form, leading to inflammation, attachment loss, and bone loss.
Prevalent in adults but can occur at any age, with slow but sometimes rapid progression.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease:
Causes tissue and bone death.
Common in individuals with systemic conditions like HIV, malnutrition, and immunosuppression.
Factors Affecting Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (PD) affects people differently. While bacteria in dental plaque are the main cause of PD, several other factors can make someone more likely to develop gingivitis or periodontitis or worsen existing conditions. These factors include systemic diseases, local issues in the mouth, and how the body responds to bacterial infections.
Systemic Contributing Factors to Periodontal Disease
These are conditions or habits that make a person more prone to periodontal disease:
Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the risk of periodontal disease.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum infections.
Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, which can affect the jawbone supporting the teeth.
Psychosocial Stress: High-stress levels can impact oral health.
AIDS: This condition weakens the immune system, making gum infections more likely.
Systemic Medications: Some medications can affect oral health.
Hormone Changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to periodontal disease.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins and minerals can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. Obesity may also be linked to an increased risk of periodontal disease.
Age: Older adults are more likely to have periodontal disease, often due to cumulative damage over time.
Local Contributing Factors to PD
These are conditions within the mouth that increase the risk of periodontal disease:
Dental Calculus: Hardened plaque on teeth can make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene.
Tooth Shape and Surface: Irregularities on teeth can trap plaque.
Untreated Tooth Decay: Cavities can increase the risk of gum disease.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque to build up.
Trauma from Occlusion: Misaligned bites can cause damage to gums and teeth.
Food Impaction: Food stuck between teeth can contribute to plaque buildup.
Parafunctional Habits: Actions like clenching or grinding teeth can harm the gums and teeth.
Faulty Restorations and Appliances: Poorly fitted dental work can cause irritation and plaque accumulation.
Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth can dry out the gums, making them more prone to infection.
Tongue Thrust: Pressing the tongue against teeth can damage the gums
Connection Between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Conditions
It’s now understood that inflammation, not just bacteria, links periodontal disease with other health conditions. Treating periodontal disease might help manage or reduce the risk of other chronic conditions like:
Cardiovascular Disease
Premature or Low Birth Weight Babies
Diabetes
Respiratory Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Obesity
Cognitive Impairment
Osteoporosis
Understanding these connections helps in managing both oral and overall health more effectively.
What are dental caries?
Dental caries, or cavities, are areas of tooth decay caused by acids produced when bacteria break down sugars from food. This decay starts as invisible damage but can progress to visible tooth damage, pain, and even tooth loss.
How common are dental caries?
Dental caries are very common and preventable. Despite this, they remain a major issue, especially among children. Around 60-90% of school children worldwide and nearly 100% of adults have cavities. In Canada, the rate of dental caries increases with age, and those from lower-income families or who haven’t seen a dentist recently are at higher risk. Most adults also have a history of cavities.
How do dental caries develop?
Dental caries occur when bacteria in plaque produce acids that dissolve the minerals in teeth. This process is influenced by factors like diet, saliva, and fluoride. The balance between harmful factors (bacteria and sugars) and protective factors (saliva, fluoride) changes throughout the day.
Essential Factors for Dental Caries
Susceptible Tooth: Any tooth can get cavities, but teeth with fluoride are less likely to decay.
Acid-Producing Bacteria: Bacteria like Streptococcus mutans produce acid from sugar and contribute to decay.
Cariogenic Foods: Foods high in sugar that bacteria can ferment into acids increase the risk of cavities.
Other Factors for Dental Caries
Time: Acid from plaque forms quickly after eating and can last for 15-20 minutes, leading to decay if not neutralized by saliva.
pH Levels: Acid lowers the pH in the mouth, starting to damage teeth if it drops below 5.5.
Sticky Compounds: Substances like dextrans and levans in plaque make it stickier and harder to clean.
Patient Education: Regular plaque removal and reducing sugary foods are key to preventing cavities.
Types of Dental Caries
Pit and Fissure Caries: Found in the grooves of back teeth and on the tongue side of front teeth.
Smooth Surface Caries: Occur on flat tooth surfaces and along the gum line.
Root Surface Caries: Develop on the roots of teeth.
Secondary or Recurrent Caries: Occur around existing dental work.
Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Affects young children’s primary teeth and can lead to severe complications.
Dental Caries vs Dental Erosion
Dental erosion is different from caries. It’s the loss of tooth tissue caused by acids not produced by bacteria, such as those in certain foods and drinks. Erosion can also be caused by vomiting or acid reflux. Unlike caries, which are influenced by bacterial acids, erosion is caused by dietary acids. Both conditions can lead to significant tooth damage and require careful management.
How Saliva Protects your Teeth
Physical Protection: Saliva helps wash away sugars and food particles from your mouth, which helps reduce the buildup of plaque.
Chemical Protection: It neutralizes and buffers the acids produced by bacteria in plaque, helping to prevent tooth decay.
Antibacterial Protection: Saliva contains substances that kill bacteria, helping to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Saliva Characteristics Effecting Tooth Decay
Viscosity (Thickness):
Thin, Watery Saliva: This type helps rinse away food debris and reduces plaque formation.
Thick, Mucous Saliva: This type can trap food particles, making it easier for plaque to form on your teeth.
Quantity (Amount):
Low Saliva Flow (Xerostomia): When there isn’t enough saliva, you’re more likely to get cavities because your mouth has less natural protection against acids. Xerostomia can result from things like radiation therapy or certain medications.
High Saliva Flow: More saliva helps maintain a neutral pH in your mouth, which supports the repair of tooth enamel.
Ways to increase saliva flow
Chewing Gum:
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help reduce cavities. This is because it stimulates saliva production and uses sweeteners that bacteria can’t turn into acids.
Xylitol and Sorbitol: These sugar alcohols found in sugar-free gum don’t produce acids and help reduce plaque.
Saliva Substitutes:
If your saliva glands aren’t producing enough saliva, artificial saliva products can help. These come in sprays or liquids and help keep your mouth moist.
Although not a perfect replacement for natural saliva, these substitutes can help with oral comfort and provide some buffering to protect your teeth. They usually contain ingredients like cellulose derivatives and flavouring agents but lack the enzymes and minerals found in real saliva.
What Increases the Risk of Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay can be a lifelong issue because cavities can keep forming throughout a person’s life. Here’s what can increase your risk of getting cavities:
1. Tooth positions and shape
2. Fluoride
3. Oral Hygiene
4. Genetics
5. Diet
6. Socioeconomic Status:
7. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
8. Cariogenic Bacteria:
Cariogenic Bacteria – effects on cavities
Bacteria: Certain bacteria, especially streptococcus mutans, are known to cause tooth decay. High levels of these bacteria increase the risk of cavities.
Understanding these factors can help you manage and reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – effect on cavities
Causes: Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, or treatments like radiation. This reduces the protective effects of saliva, increasing the risk of decay.
Socioeconomic Status – effects on cavities
Income and Education: People with lower incomes or less education tend to have more cavities, often due to differences in access to dental care and health education.
Diet – effect on cavities
- Sugars and Carbs: Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates can lead to decay. The type of food (e.g., sticky candies vs. liquid sugars) and how long it stays in your mouth affect decay risk.
- Frequency of Eating: Frequent eating of sugary or starchy foods increases the risk of cavities. Foods high in calcium and phosphate, like cheese, can help protect teeth.
Genetics – effects on cavities
- Family Factors: Family history can influence the risk of decay, but environmental factors like diet and oral hygiene play a bigger role.
Oral Hygiene – effects on cavities
- Brushing and Flossing: Regular brushing and flossing are crucial. Many people don’t brush or floss consistently or correctly.
- Statistics: About 73% of Canadians brush their teeth twice a day, but men and those from lower-income families are less likely to do so.
Fluoride – benefits for cavities
- Benefits: Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. It works in three main ways:
1. After Teeth Erupt: Helps repair early signs of decay and prevents bacteria from producing acid.
2. Before Teeth Erupt: Makes teeth more resistant to acid by incorporating fluoride into the tooth structure. - Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): A fluoride solution used to stop cavities and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Position and Shape – effects on cavities
- Crooked Teeth: Teeth that are misaligned can trap food and plaque, making them more prone to decay.
- Open Spacing: Teeth with gaps between them are less likely to get cavities.
- Surface Types: The chewing surfaces of teeth have grooves and pits that are hard to clean. Areas between teeth are also tough to reach with a toothbrush.
- Exposed Roots: When gums recede, the roots of teeth can be exposed and are more vulnerable to decay because they are softer than the enamel.
True or False -Tooth loss is a natural part of aging.
FALSE: Periodontal disease can be prevented - it does not have to be a part of ageing.
Proper oral hygiene care can help reduce the risk
People who have gum disease are “dirty” and don’t brush their teeth - True or False???
FALSE: A portion of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease
Gum disease can affect overall health - True or False??
TRUE: Yes, research has linked periodontal disease to other health problems including
heart and respiratory diseases; preterm, low birth weight babies; stroke; osteoporosis;
arthritis; cognitive impairment; kidney disease, obesity and diabetes
Gum disease is a minor infection - True or False?
FALSE: The mass of tissue in the oral cavity is equivalent to the skin on your arm that
extends from the wrist to the elbow
Bleeding gums are normal.
True or False??
FALSE: Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease
Gum disease affects all races and ethnicities equally - True or False??
TRUE: A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that nearly one out of two U.S. adults age 30 and over has periodontitis. Prevalence was
highest among ethnic minorities, with 63.5 percent of Hispanic-Americans, 59.1 percent of Non-Hispanic Blacks and 50 percent of Non-Hispanic Asian Americans affected by
periodontitis (Eke, et al, 2015).
Treatment for gum disease is painful.
True or False??
FALSE: The use of local anesthesia and other medications can make treatment
experiences comfortable.
Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used to treat it.
True or False?
True: Research demonstrates that antibiotics can be a helpful adjunct to treating periodontal disease. However, medical and dental communities are concerned about the overuse of these medications in treating infections because of the possibility of the development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
Cavities are the number-one cause of tooth loss.
True or False??
False: Periodontal disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss. Recent epidemiological data seem to show an increasing trend of tooth loss due to periodontal
reasons rather than caries
Pregnant women should skip professional dental checkups.
True or False?
FALSE: In order to decrease the risk of damaging the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth, pregnant women should seek periodontal care
