Dental Pathology Flashcards
(125 cards)
What are caries?
transmissible bacterial infection
What are the two groups of bacteria responsible for caries?
mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB)
Explain the structure of mutans streptococci (MS)?
major pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria
found in high numbers in dental plaque
What does the presence of lactobacilli (LB) mean?
patient has a high sugar intake
What is plaque?
oral biofilm is a colorless, soft, sticky coating made up of communities of microorganisms that sticks to structures of the oral cavity
If you were to look at biofilm under a microscope. what would you see?
colonies of bacteria embedded in an adhesive substance called the pellicle
What is the adhesive substance that plaque is in called?
pellicle
What is the most highly mineralized tissue in the body, stronger than bone?
enamel
What is enamel?
microscopic crystals of hydroxyapatite arranged in layer/rods known as prisms.
What tooth’s enamel has more water, primary or permanent teeth?
primary has slightly more water
What are the three factors allowing caries?
a susceptible tooth
a diet rich in fermentable carbs
specific bacteria
How does bacteria cause cavities?
- bacteria feed on fermentable carbs
- they produce acid as a by-product of their metabolism
- acid an penetrate the hard substance of the tooth and demineralize
How long after eating or drinking can bacteria produce acids?
5 minutes
Where do pit-and-fissure caries occur?
occur primarily on occlusal surfaces, on buccal and lingual grooves of posterior teeth, and on lingual pits of the maxillary incisors
Where do smooth surface caries occur?
on enamel surfaces, including mesial, distal, facial, and lingual surfaces
Where do root surface caries occur?
on any surface of the exposed root
Where do secondary/recurrent caries occur?
on the tooth that surrounds a restoration
When do carious lesions occur?
When more minerals are lost than deposited
When does demineralization occur?
when calcium and phosphate dissolve from hydroxyapatite crystals in the enamel
When does remineralization occur?
when calcium and phosphate are redeposited in previously demineralized areas
What is the first stage of carious lesions?
incipient caries or lesions, occurs when caries begins to demineralize the enamel
What is the second stage of carious lesions?
the overt or frank lesion, is characterized by cavitation
What is rampant caries?
development of cavitation, with multiple lesions throughout the mouth
Why are dental restorations usually replaced?
recurrent caries under the existing restoration