Week 12 - Oral Health

Question 1

Good Oral Health

Answer 1

being able to eat, speak and socialise without discomfort or embarrassment and without active disease that affects overall wellbeing

Question 2

Dental caries

Answer 2

or dental decay, is a common disease, which causes cavities and discolouration of both permanent and “baby” teeth. As the disease progresses in a tooth it becomes weaker and its nerve may be damaged.

Question 3

Peridontal (gum) disease:

Answer 3

a group of bacterial infectious and inflammatory disease that result in the destruction of tooth-supporting tissue which may eventually cause tooth loss

Caused by bacteria and risk increases with diabetes.

Question 4

Prevalence of oral health disease:

Answer 4

Survey in 2010 found:

• 80% of Australians reported having good very good or excellent oral health.
• On average, adults were missing 5 teeth.
• Oral problems affected at least 25% of Australia, incl. 14% who had recently experienced tooth ache and 16% who avoided foods because of dental problems

Question 5

Prevalence of dental caries in children:

Answer 5

2006:
Ranged from 40% in 4-5 year olds to 60% in 6-8 year olds
In permanent teeth ranged from 1% in 5 year olds to 58% in 15 yr olds

Question 6

Consequences and Connection:

Answer 6

• Loss of function of teeth can lead to a change in dietary intake and possible malnutrition e.g. soft foods only.
• Diabetes.

Question 7

Presence of peridontal disease can worsen what control?

Answer 7

glycaemic

Question 8

nutrition and peridontal disease

Answer 8

no direct link, oral hygiene main issue

Question 9

Development of caries:

Answer 9

1. sugary food is chewed, bacteria in the mouth ferment the sugar and acid is produced.
2. Dental caries begin when the enamel coating begins to dissolve by acid
3. The extent of damage depends on duration and regularity of sugar exposure
4. Drinks of high acidity (low pH) such as soft drinks, juice, contribute to erosion

Question 10

Where do caries develop?

Answer 10

crowns and roots

Question 11

Caries - fluoride

Answer 11

mineral component of fluorapatite which is formed during mineralisation of teeth making them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay

Question 12

good evidence what infant feeding linked to caries:

Answer 12

provision of sugary drinks at bed time, fruit juice in a bottle

Question 13

less evidence what infant feeding linked to caries:

Answer 13

magnesium, high iron, low milk

intakes

Question 14

Dental Caries - Genetics

Answer 14

Some diseases can cause a decrease in saliva production and “dry mouth” or xerostomia which can increase the risk of dental caries

Question 15

Why sugar affects teeth?

Answer 15

Bacteria do not produce the acid that damages teeth without the presence of sugar

Question 16

Fluoridation reduces the prevalence of dental caries by:

Answer 16

15%

Question 17

Caries - Starchy food

Answer 17

starchy foods might be even worse than sugary drinks for caries development
Why? They remain longer between the teeth, offering glucose for microbiota.
Changes in mouth microbiota lead to decreased homeostasis.

Question 18

Relationship between childhood weight, dental caries and eating practices.

Answer 18

• OW/Obesity associated with sweet drink consumption and dental problems…
  Underweight associated with dental problems.

Question 19

How can patients with bulimia nervosa be identified by dentists?

Answer 19

white spots

Question 20

white spots might indicate to a dentist that a patient has what?

Answer 20

bulimia nervosa