Final exam- Caries Process and Preventatives

What are factors that contribute to cavities?

Carbohydrates, carcinogenic bacteria, teeth

True/False: dental caries is a multifactorial disease caused by a prolonged acid imbalance in the mouth, primarily facilitated by bacterial biofilm (dental plaque)

True

What are a few examples of plaque bacteria?

Strep mutans

Strep sobrinus

Lactobacilli

True or False. Bacteria in the oral cavity are acquired through saliva (i.e. kissing, sharing a straw, etc.) rather than inherited.

True

What pH does acids diffuse into the tooth and dissolve calcium and phosphate ions from the enamel and/or dentin?

Below pH 5.5

What are components of saliva that help with prevention of caries?

Calcium and phosphate

When fluoride is incorporated into an area of demineralization, what is the new crystal structure that forms?

Fluorapatite

When helping a patient select an OTC fluoride toothpaste to use, what is the main thing to instruct the patient to look for?

ADA seal

BWX taken in 2014 show an incipient/enamel lesion that the dentist said to 'monitor' as it does not require a filling to treat it yet. BWX taken in 2015 show that that incipient/enamel lesion has not changed in size and the dentist says to continue monitoring it. What type of lesion would that be classified as?

Inactive lesion

What is an active caries lesion?

Growing lesion as evidenced by an increase in size when evaluated at two points in time; usually soft/tacky/sticky in texture

what are dental caries diagnosis options?

At risk, active, or controlled.

True or False. Clinpro and Prevident 5000ppm toothpastes can be prescribed by a dental hygienist working in Minnesota.

False

True or False. We do not recommend fluoride mouthrinses, chlorhexidine, or 5000 ppm prescription toothpastes to patients under 6 years old because they may swallow the products.

True

True or False. Fluoride varnishes such as 5% NaF contain a higher ppm concentration of fluoride as compared to Fluoride Gels such as 1.23% APF Gel.

True

True or False. CHX mouthrinse is prescribed by a dentist because it contains fluoride.

False

What are the non-fluoride caries-preventive agents that we may recommend to patients?

CHX, MI Paste, Xylitiol

What are preventive measures for smooth-surface risks?

Fluoride

Antimicrobial Therapy

Xylitol

CPP-ACP - casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate

Diet Modification

Oral Hygiene Instruction

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

What are preventative measures for pits and fissures?

Sealants.