microbiology of caries (21)

• What is the definition of dental caries?

  Chronic infectious disease destroying tooth tissues
• What causes the destruction of tooth tissues in dental caries?

  Acid produced by bacteria in dental plaque
• Which tooth structures can cavities affect?

  Enamel, dentin, and cement
• Why is dental caries considered an important health issue?

  It is common, costly, and painful
• What are the potential consequences of dental caries?

  Chewing problems and aesthetic issues
• What are the classifications of dental caries based on location?

  • Pit or fissure caries
  • Smooth surface caries
  • Root surface caries
  • Interproximal surfaces caries
  • Recurrent caries
• What is the acidogenic theory of dental caries?

  It suggests acids from microorganisms cause cavities
• What does the chemoparasitic theory of Miller state?

  Cavities are due to acids from sugars
• What role does fluoride play in dental health?

  It makes enamel more resistant to acid
• What are the three factors involved in the Keyes scheme of dental caries?

  1. Tooth: target of destruction
  2. Substrate (diet): nutrients for bacteria
  3. Oral microbiota: acid-producing bacteria
• What is the most cariogenic sugar?

  Sucrose
• How does saliva contribute to dental health?

  It helps with self-cleaning and remineralization
• What happens when the pH in the oral environment drops below 5.3?

  Demineralization of enamel starts
• What is the role of Streptococcus mutans in dental caries?

  It produces acids from sucrose, causing decay
• What is the critical pH for enamel demineralization?

  5.3 to 5.7
• What are the stages of the pathophysiology of dental caries?

  1. Enamel caries
  2. Root caries
  3. Development of dentin caries
• What is the predominant bacteria in enamel caries?

  Streptococcus mutans
• What happens when bacteria reach the dentin?

  Anaerobic conditions favor proteolytic bacteria
• How can dietary habits control dental caries?

  By rationalizing sugar consumption and frequency
• What are the methods for controlling factors related to dental caries?

  1. Control dietary habits
  2. Use fluoride
  3. Apply pit and fissure sealants
  4. Control dental plaque
• What is the effect of excessive fluoride?

  Mottled enamel or dental fluorosis
• How does xylitol affect dental health?

  It is not cariogenic and has antimicrobial effects
• What is the purpose of microbiological testing in dental caries risk assessment?

  To measure bacterial load in saliva
• What is the role of Streptococcus dentisani?

  Inhibits growth of S. mutans
• What is the significance of identifying patients at high risk of caries?

  To implement preventive measures effectively
• How does the introduction of sucrose affect dental caries prevalence?

  It increased caries prevalence significantly