Dental Plaque
What is dental plaque also called?
Biofilm
What type of disease is dental caries?
Dental caries is an infectious disease of the hard tissues of the tooth.
What is the earliest stage of caries called?
Enamel caries or incipient caries.
Which Black class affects proximal surfaces of posterior teeth?
Class II.
Which type of nutrient is most associated with dental caries?
Sugars (carbohydrates).
What is the best way to remove dental plaque?
The best way to remove dental plaque is tooth brushing.
What happens to tooth enamel when bacteria ferment sugars?
Bacteria produce acids that demineralize the tooth.
What treatment is commonly used when caries reaches dentin?
Filling (restoration) or root canal treatment.
Which Black class affects anterior teeth AND the incisal edge?
Class IV.
Name one highly cariogenic food.
Candy, pastries, sugary drinks, or ketchup.
On what type of surfaces does dental plaque usually form?
Dental plaque forms on moist surfaces like teeth, implants, prostheses, and the tongue.
What is the critical pH for enamel demineralization?
The critical pH for enamel is 5.5.
What visual sign usually appears in early enamel caries?
A white spot lesion on the enamel.
Which Black class affects pits and fissures on the occlusal surface of posterior teeth?
Class I.
Why are sticky foods dangerous for teeth?
Because they stay longer on the tooth surface.
Why can't mouthwash or saliva remove dental plaque completely?
Because plaque sticks strongly to the tooth surface as a biofilm.
Why does frequent snacking increase the risk of caries?
Because saliva does not have enough time to neutralize acids.
Why does caries progress faster once it reaches dentin?
Because dentin is less mineralized and more porous than enamel.
Which Black class affects the cervical third of the tooth on smooth surfaces?
Class V.
Name two anticariogenic sweeteners.
Xylitol and sorbitol.
Name two bacteria commonly found in dental plaque that cause caries.
Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species.
What is the Stephan Curve?
It shows the drop in pH after eating and the recovery of pH by saliva.
What happens when caries reaches the pulp?
The pulp becomes infected and destroyed by bacterial enzymes.
Which Black class affects proximal surfaces of anterior teeth without the incisal edge?
Class III.
Why are apples considered anticariogenic?
Because they stimulate saliva production.