Dental caries Flashcards
Which microorganism is responsible for the initiation of caries?
Streptococcus mutans
Which microorganism is found in the later stages of caries?
Lactobacilli
What is the name of the sugars which are added artificially to foods and are thought to be the most damaging?
Non-milk extrinsic sugars
What is the crucial pH level of saliva when demineralisation occurs?
5.5
What is the name of the process when saliva heals demineralised enamel caused by an acid attack?
Remineralisation
What is the name given to the areas of the teeth where plaque lodges easily and is hard to remove, eg occlusal pits and fissures and interproximal area?
Stagnation areas
Will caries which is just confined to the enamel cause pain?
No
What is the name of the cells which form dentine?
Adontal blasts
What is the name of the sensory nerve cells contained in dentine?
Fibrils
When caries reaches or becomes very close to the pulp chamber, the pulp becomes inflamed, what is the name of this condition?
Pulpitis
What is dental caries?
Bacterial infection of the mineralised tissues of the tooth
What food category can be turned into acid by the bacteria in plaque?
Carbohydrates
Foods which are capable of causing caries are what?
Cariogenic
How long does an acid attack last?
20 minutes
Caries occurs in areas where plaque is easily lodged and not easily removed. What are these areas called?
Stagnation areas
