VOCABULARY
Sticky film of bacteria that causes decay.
What is oral biofilm (plaque)?
What is the first step in the caries process after plaque bacteria are exposed to sugar?
What is acid production?
What are the two main ways saliva helps protect teeth from dental caries?
What are buffering acids and providing minerals for remineralization?
A fast-moving form of decay affecting many teeth.
What is rampant caries?
ECC stands for what?
What is Early Childhood Caries?
Earliest stage of decay, appears as a chalky white spot.
What is incipient caries?
The bacteria primarily responsible for initiating caries.
What are Mutans streptococci?
Saliva helps prevent decay by doing what?
What is buffering acids / providing minerals?
Decay that forms around restorations.
What are recurrent or secondary caries?
A major risk factor for ECC related to feeding.
What is bottle-feeding with sugary liquids at bedtime?
Loss of minerals from the enamel surface due to acid attack.
What is demineralization?
The step of the caries process that is reversible.
What is incipient decay (remineralization stage)?
Fluoride helps reverse early decay during which process?
What is remineralization?
Decay found on root surfaces of older adults.
What are root caries?
The primary source of bacteria that colonize an infant’s mouth.
What is the caregiver (usually the mother)?
A hole in the enamel after the surface collapses.
What is cavitation?
The four things needed for caries to develop (the “formula”).
What are: tooth + bacteria + sugar + time?
A sugar substitute that reduces bacterial growth and stimulates saliva.
What is xylitol?
Caries that progress under an intact enamel surface.
What is subsurface demineralization (incipient lesion)?
A professional product dentists apply to prevent ECC.
What is fluoride varnish?
Abnormal dryness of the mouth that increases caries risk.
What is xerostomia?
The specific acid bacteria produce when digesting carbohydrates.
What is lactic acid?
The reason root surfaces are more vulnerable to decay.
What is that roots do NOT have enamel?
The type of bacteria that thrive in low pH and deepen lesions.
What are Lactobacilli?
Two strategies parents can use to prevent ECC.
What are: cleaning gums, avoiding bottle at bedtime, fluoride use, limiting sugar, early dental visits?