Fluoride/ Traditional Caries Method Flashcards
(127 cards)
What is enamel?
- Hardest and most mineralized tissue in the body
- Outer covering of enamel is made up of calcium and phosphate
What is dentin?
- Layer of tooth structure that is directly underneath the enamel and is positioned around the pulp
- Less mineralized than enamel, but more mineralized than bone or cementum
What is pulp?
- soft layer of a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue
What bacteria causes caries?
Caused by S. mutans and lactobacilli found within plaque biofilm
Bacteria metabolize fermentable and complex ______________ and produce acids
carbohydrates
Acids diffuse into tooth and dissolve calcium & phosphate minerals in a process called…
demineralization
If acid attacks are infrequent/short duration, saliva aids in repair of damage by…
neutralizing acid and replacing minerals and fluoride lost from tooth (remineralization)
If flow of saliva is low and bacterial level is high, tooth mineral lost by acid attacks are too great for repair by remineralization, thus resulting in…
caries
Acids diffuse into tooth and dissolve __________________ minerals
calcium & phosphate
What are the pathologic factors associated with caries?
- Acid-producing bacteria (S. mutans)
- Low salivary flow
- Carbohydrates in diet
What are the protective factors associated with caries?
- Minerals in saliva (calcium, phosphate, fluoride, proteins)
- Normal salivary flow
- Antibacterial agents
Untreated caries present in more than ________ adults
1 in 5
Caries rates are disproportionately distributed among those of lower…
socioeconomic status
___% of pediatric population has caries present in primary dentition
10%
___% of pediatric population has caries present in permanent dentition
<3%
Caries is most prevalent in…
ethnic minority groups from lower income families
What is fluoride?
- A natural inorganic occurring mineral
- Naturally present at low concentrations in most fresh and saltwater sources
- Either the fluorine ion (F-) or a compound containing fluoride (NaF)
In the correct concentrations _________ can decrease the likelihood of dental caries
fluoride
What does fluoride do for caries?
- Aids in REMINERALIZATION and decreases the risk of carious lesions by up to 25%
Fluoride is a _________ to caries prevention - not a solution on its own
SUPPLEMENT
What is the priority for caries prevention?
Oral hygiene/plaque control is priority
What is systemic application of fluoride?
ingested agents delivered to the oral cavity via the bloodstream
What is topical application of fluoride?
strengthen teeth already in the mouth making them more resistant to caries
What are examples of systemic application of fluoride?
Water
Supplements
Food/beverages