Sally Accuro

Question 1

Briefly describe the chemical processes involved in the erosion of teeth and relate this to the structure of the dental tissues.

Answer 1

• consider the effect of the pH of the acid
• the type of acid e.g., citric, phosphoric, gastric acid
• the time / frequency of acid exposure
• does temperature of the acidic drink play a role?

Question 2

What are the similarities / differences in aetiology / pathological processes and clinical signs/symptoms for erosion and initial caries? [compare and contrast]

Question 3

Explain how lifestyle factors can potentially lead to enamel erosion in a healthy individual.

Question 4

What preventive measures could we recommend for teen / young adults who drink popular energy / sport drinks?

Question 5

How do we obtain energy (e.g., overview of cellular and molecular mechanisms / pathways?)

Question 6

Explain the link between energy and metabolism and how they relate to the homeostasis of the individual.

Question 7

Review the nutrition labels of:
a. energy drink
b. sport drink
c. soft drink
For each drink, identify which of the contents provide ‘energy’; identify which of the contents may be contributing to dental erosion or dental caries.

Question 8

What is the overall structure and function of the GIT from mouth to anus?

Question 9

How does the structure of the different regions of the GIT (including accessory structures) vary as a result of the function of each region (masitication, swallowing, passage and digestion)?

Question 10

Relate concepts back to explaining Sally’s weight loss / BMI and Sally’s diet practices and beliefs

Answer 10

Women requires a daily calories intake is about 2000 calories. Her source of energy includes carbohydrates and fats. if her source of energy is inadequate, then her body would begin breaking down her muscles, for energy consumption reduction and energy use.

Question 11

Explain GIT structure and function and relate these to the mechanisms and processes of nutrition / waste management in the maintenance of homeostasis in a healthy person.

Question 12

Describe the process of mastication and swallowing involving oral, GIT and GIT accessory structures.

Question 13

Why would both glucose and sucrose be added to sports / energy drinks?

Answer 13

glucose -> is not a very good sweetening agents

sucrose ->

aspartame -> small

Question 14

What could be the dental concentrations of sucrose compared to glucose?

Answer 14

sucrose can be metabolised into insoluble glucans and fructans. Glucans can be used to form a polysaccharide capsule around biofilm for protection -> makes the bacterial biofilm more resistant to flushing and antimicrobial agents. While fructan acts as a long term release of sugary contents to feed the bacteria.

Question 15

Why is citric acid a common ingredient in many sports or energy drinks?

Answer 15

adds the tastes
contribute to lowering of pH.

Question 16

Briefly describe the chemical processes involved in the erosion of teeth and relate this to the structure of the dental caries.

Question 17

The erosive potential of acidic foods / drinks can relate to:
- pH: what is the effect of the pH of the acid?
- Titratable acidity - how does this influence erosive ability?
- chelating properties - how does this influence erosive ability.

Answer 17

pH - in oral cavity, normally weak acids are present, e.g., citric acids, lactic acids, phosphoric acid, sialic acid.

titratable acidity - some acids would have a high pH but a high titratability (needing much base to bring up the pH).

Question 18

How does the time / frequency of acid exposure; influence dental erosion?

Question 19

Does temperature of the acidic drink play a role?

Question 20

What is the role of saliva when an acidic drink is consumed?

Question 21

What are the similarities / differences in aetiology / pathological processes and clinical signs / symptoms for erosion and initial caries?
- consider lcoation, contour, colour, surfaces affected, texture

Question 22

What are the origins of the acids associated with dental caries and why are they produced?

Answer 22

cola - phosphoric acid
fanta, fruity ones - citric acid
wine - citric, lactic, tartaric, malic
vinegar (pickles, salad) - ethanoic acid

Question 23

explain how lifestyle factors can potentially lead to enamel erosion in a healthy person?

Question 24

what would you suggest how to quickly restore the oral pH after consuming drinks such as cola, lemonade or other citric based soft drinks? why?

Question 25

Why don’t we recommend to patients to brush their teeth straight after having acidic exposure?

Answer 25

acidic contents softens and makes the enamel surface more vulnerable for brushing.
don’t want to brush away Ca and phosphat ions needed for remineralisation.
wait 30 mins, can be longer, time for saliva to buffer and restore pH.
tooth mousse -> ACP-CPP after acidic exposure.

Question 26

Why do we recommend patients to drink through a straw if they are consuming acidic foods / drinks?

Answer 26

do not contact the oral environment, reach into back of your oral cavity.

Question 27

What preventive measures could we recommend for teen / young adults who drinks or other acidic drinks e.g., fruit drinks?

Answer 27

stop consuming acidic drinks
drink more water
gums
drinking through straw, not swishing in your mouth
one type of soft drink, swap out of the drinks (to water, or milk)