Risk factors for Dental Diseases

Question 1

How is plaque a risk factor for caries?

Answer 1

plaque bacteria which has a rapid use of sugars and metabolises them at extreme pHs cause caries,

Question 2

How is diet a risk factor for caries?

Answer 2

when sugar was less available, caries incident was much lower, sugar is food for bacteria in plaque, produces acid that demineralises tooth- dynamic process

Question 3

Miller chemicoparasitic study to show caries and diet link

Answer 3

incubate food with sugar and saliva to see acid formation, concluded starch was most damaging to teeth

Question 4

Vipeholm study to show cariesa and diet link

Answer 4

diet low in sugar = low caries incident. now bc of ethics cant change diet to cause caries, frequency and timing also very important for caries incidents.

Question 5

What is the most susceptible tooth surface?

Answer 5

any surface can be it matters more on accumulation of plaque like in pits and fissures, next to gums

Question 6

How is low fluoride exposure a risk factor for caries?

Answer 6

fluoride enhances remineralisation process

Question 7

How is low saliva a risk factor for caries?

Answer 7

it aids remineralisation and has a buffering capacity so less saliva causes caries to spread more

Question 8

How is plaque a risk factor for periodontal disease?

Answer 8

Bacteria products in plaque cause cells in adjacent tissues to produce inflammatory response so fluids fill up in gums, appear red/swollen, cells come to site and release toxins

Question 9

What happens if plaque is left?

Answer 9

Cells keep releasing toxins, inflammation beyond gums, bone is lost, teeth become loose and teeth are lost

Question 10

How is smoking a risk factor for periodontal disease?

Answer 10

Impairs blood vessels and impacts inflammatory and immune response,
affects biofilm and impairs wound healing, causes increased susceptibility

Question 11

How is diet a risk factor for periodontal disease?

Answer 11

Not eating right nutrients can cause a weaker immune response against plaque, also increases amount of plaque

Question 12

How is diabetes a risk factor for periodontal disease?

Answer 12

bc of less insulin risk of disease is 3x bigger
causes accelerated bone loss, two way relationship perio increases diabetic complications while diabetes increases perio disease