dat 113- Preventive and Desensitizing Materials

What minerals make up enamel and dentin in the provided material?

Hydroxyapatite.

How do plaque bacteria contribute to tooth decay?

They release acid that causes demineralization.

What does fluoride do to tooth structure?

It helps form fluorapatite, which is stronger and less soluble.

How does fluoride help prevent caries?

It improves acid resistance and can inhibit bacterial attachment and enzymes; it can also kill some bacteria.

What can cause dental erosion?

Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus, soda, and wine, as well as reflux or bulimia.

What is dental fluorosis?

A condition caused by excess fluoride during tooth formation that can cause brown staining and pitting.

What is the optimal fluoride level in U.S. community water in the provided material?

0.7 mg/L, or 0.7 ppm.

Why should fluoride products be kept away from small children?

Excessive ingestion can cause acute illness and fluoride overdose can be lethal.

What is systemic fluoride?

Fluoride delivered through sources such as community water and dietary supplements.

What are examples of systemic fluoride delivery?

Community water and dietary supplements such as tablets, drops, or lozenges when needed.

What is topical fluoride?

Fluoride applied to the teeth, such as varnish, gels, foams, toothpaste, or rinses.

What is silver diamine fluoride used for?

Managing sensitivity and arresting caries.

What is sodium fluoride varnish used for?

Reducing sensitivity and preventing caries.

How long does sodium fluoride varnish remain on the teeth according to the provided material?

Approximately 1–3 days.

How long are fluoride gels or foams applied in a disposable tray?

Approximately 4 minutes.

When may at-home fluoride treatments be used?

For patients at high risk.

What fluoride products are available for home use?

Toothpastes and prescription toothpastes, as well as rinses.

By approximately how much can topical fluorides reduce caries according to the provided material?

Approximately 20–26%.

How can an antibacterial rinse and mechanical plaque removal help?

They help prevent bacterial accumulation.

What does fluoride in a rinse provide?

Caries protection.

What is chlorhexidine gluconate used for?

Reducing plaque; it is a prescription rinse.

What are examples of chlorhexidine products listed in the provided material?

Peridex, Perioguard, and Oris CHX.

What does the provided material say about Listerine?

It is an over-the-counter rinse that reduces plaque but does not prevent caries.

What can cause dentinal sensitivity due to gingival recession?

Toothbrush abrasion can contribute to gingival recession and expose dentin.

What acids can contribute to enamel and dentin loss?

Gastric and dietary acids.

How can bruxism contribute to sensitivity?

It can cause abfraction at the gumline and expose dentin.

What causes sensitivity in exposed dentinal tubules?

Fluid movement within the tubules can stimulate the nerve.

What bonding-related problems can cause sensitivity?

Microleakage, polymerization shrinkage, and failure to seal dentinal tubules.

What are desensitizing agents designed to do?

Seal or plug dentinal tubules or desensitize nerve endings.

What desensitizing agents are listed in the provided material?

Fluoride, sealants, ferric oxalate, potassium oxalate, and potassium nitrate.

What treatments for sensitive teeth are listed in the provided material?

Silver diamine fluoride, sodium fluoride varnish, fluoride gels or foams, at-home fluoride, toothpaste or prescription toothpaste, sealants, ferric oxalate, potassium oxalate, and potassium nitrate.