Cariology Flashcards
is dental caries an infectious disease?
yes - with the caveat that it is a chronic disease
what is vertical transmission?
transmission from mother to child (generational)
what is horizontal transmission?
transmission from one member of a generation to another of that generation
how does dental caries happen?
cariogenic bacteria is present, has access to fermentable carbohydrate from a persons dietary intake, with time dental caries develop
the process is mediated by saliva
what is a biofilm when talking about dental caries?
- it is more than just plaque - it is a cooperative bacterial community
- extracellular matrix that typically effects areas that brushing doesn’t reach
- it is inevitable
- develops via adherence to dental pellicle
- streptococcal species are primary pioneer, but other species come after and co-aggregate
how does plaque grow on teeth?
- starts with monolayer, once coated, grows outward
- takes 48 hours to mature
- disruption of this helps prevent problems
how much sugar should we really have on a daily basis?
6 tsp
what are fermentable carbohydrates prefered by dental caries?
- mono and di-saccharides
- glucose, fructose, galactose, maltose, sucrose, lactose
when should children be giving up a bottle?
by 12 months of age
when should pacifiers be discontinued for dental/mouth development?
by 12 months of age
when should a child have their first dental check up?
around 12 months of age?
