Modern Dental Assisting Chpster 13

Caries

A scientific term for tooth decay or cavities; an infectious bacterial disease.

Caviation

Formation of cavity or hole seen in radiograph images.

Demineralization

Loss of minerals from the tooth.

Fluoride

A naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities.

Incipient caries

Tooth decay at its initial stage, beginning to form or become apparent.

Plaque

A soft deposit on teeth, colorless, that consists of an organized complex of bacteria and bacterial by-products.

Rampant caries

Decay that develops rapidly and is widespread throughout the mouth.

Recurrent caries

Caries which form in tiny spaces between the tooth and the margins of restoration.

Remineralization

Replacement of minerals in the tooth.

Xerostomia

Dry mouth.

Xylitol

A sugar substitute that may have an antibacterial effect against decay-causing bacteria.

What is cariology?

The study of caries.

What is dental plaque?

A colorless, soft, sticky substance that adheres to teeth despite tongue movement, water rinsing, water spray, and ineffective brushing.

How can plaque be removed?

Mechanical brushing that is sufficient.

What is a biofilm?

An environment that harbors bacteria.

What is hydroxyapatite?

A naturally occurring mineral of calcium apatite.

What are the three factors needed for caries to develop?

A susceptible tooth, a diet rich in carbohydrates (sugar), and specific bacteria.

How else can caries develop?

Acidic foods causing erosion.

What are pit and fissure caries?

Caries that develop on the occlusal surfaces in grooves of posterior teeth and lingual pits of maxillary incisors.

What are smooth surface caries?

Caries that occur on intact enamel and are less likely to occur.

What are root surface caries?

Caries that occur on the surface of a root and tend to move quickly.

What are recurrent caries?

Caries that occur on a tooth that surrounds a restoration and are recurring.

What are the two bacteria related to caries?

Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli

Increase in sugar results in an increase in

Caries, plaque, bacteria

Bacteria is transmissible through

Saliva

What is erosion?

When the teeth break down from acid

What causes erosion?

Soda, soft drinks, citrus foods

Why are root surface caries so devastating?

Because they move quickly and don’t have any enamel to protect the root

Why is balance good in dentistry?

In remineralization and demineralization, if you're adding and taking at the same rate, it’s okay

What are the three stages of caries development?

Incipient, overt, rampant.

What is incipient stage?

A white and chalky spot that forms when caries begin to demineralize the enamel

What is the overt stage?

Cavitation (development of cavity or hole in the tooth)

What is Cavitation

development of cavity or hole in the tooth

What is the rampant stage?-Time between onset of incipient lesion and development of cavity, rapid and there is multiple lesions in the mouth

What type of caries is difficult to see?

Rucurrent caries, require x-rays to see and form in spaces between teeth and areas of restoration

What can contribute to caries besides sugary foods and acids?

Xerostima (our saliva contains minerals)