Introduction to Cariology - Lecture

A series of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to dental caries and cariology based on the lecture notes.

Cariology

The study of dental caries and its impact on oral health.

Dental Caries

Commonly known as tooth decay, a disease that results in the destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth, specifically enamel and dentin.

The Four Etiological Factors of Caries

The primary factors required for the development of dental caries:

1. Host (a susceptible tooth surface and saliva)
2. Microflora (cariogenic bacteria)
3. Diet (fermentable carbohydrates/substrate)
4. Time

Critical pH

The $pH$ level at which tooth structure begins to dissolve; typically $5.5$ for enamel and $6.2$ for dentin.

Incisor

The front teeth primarily used for cutting food.

Molar

The back teeth used for grinding food.

Crown

The visible part of the tooth above the gums, covered by enamel.

Cementum

A hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth and helps anchor them to the jawbone.

Periodontal Ligament

Connective tissue that attaches the tooth to the alveolar bone.

Fissure Sealant

A dental treatment used to prevent caries in the pits and fissures of teeth.

Root Caries

Dental caries that occurs on the root surfaces of teeth, often resulting from gum recession.

White Spot Lesion

An early sign of dental caries characterized by a white discoloration on the enamel, indicating subsurface demineralization.

DMFT Index

An index used to measure caries prevalence indicating decayed, missing, and filled teeth.

Stephan Curve

A graph illustrating the rapid drop and gradual recovery of plaque $pH$ following the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates.

Microflora

The collection of microorganisms in the oral cavity. In caries development, specifically refers to acidogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus.

Salivary Factors

Characteristics of saliva, such as flow rate, buffering capacity (using bicarbonate ions), and mineral content ($Ca^{2+}$ and $PO_{4}^{3-}$), which protect the teeth.

Plaque

A sticky biofilm of bacteria that forms on teeth and facilitates the fermentation of sugars into acids.

Demineralization

The process where minerals (calcium and phosphate) are removed from the tooth structure due to acid production by bacteria.

Remineralization

The process of restoring minerals back into the tooth structure, often aided by fluoride, which forms fluorapatite.

Non-Surgical Management

Management of caries through non-invasive means, such as topical fluoride application, dietary counseling, and oral hygiene instruction.

Surgical Management

Invasive treatments for dental caries that involve the removal of decayed tissue and placement of restorations (fillings).

Preventive Dentistry

Strategies and practices aimed at preventing dental diseases before they require surgical intervention.

Gingivitis

Reversible inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque accumulation at the gingival margin.

Calcium Phosphate

The essential minerals that make up the hydroxyapatite crystals in tooth enamel; their loss leads to caries.