Toothpaste questions

Question 1

what causes dental caries

Answer 1

cariogenic bacteria metabolizing carbohydrates on the tooth surface, producing organic acids as byproducts that lower the pH in the plaque biofilm

Question 2

how does fluoride prevent tooth decay

Answer 2

making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth, aiding in the remineralization process where minerals are redeposited in demineralized areas of the enamel

Question 3

what is the critical pH level for enamel and dentin demineralization

Answer 3

5.5 for enamel and 6.2 for dentin, below with the dissolution of tooth mineral occurs in a process called demineralization

Question 4

what role does saliva play in tooth remineralization

Answer 4

saliva elevates pH and reintroduces minerals to the tooth through the process of remineralization, helping recover from acid-induced demineralization

Question 5

how does fluoride enhance remineralization

Answer 5

incorporating into the tooth, forming fluorapatite rather than hydroxyapatite during the remineralization process, which increases the rate of remineralization

Question 6

what is fluorapatite and why is it important

Answer 6

formed when fluoride ions replace hydroxyl groups in the formation of the apatite crystal lattice, making it less soluble than hydroxyapatite and more resistant to subsequent demineralization when acid-challenged

Question 7

how does fluoride inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria

Answer 7

inhibits the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid, the primary cause of tooth decay, by affecting the metabolic processes of bacteria and reducing their acid production

Question 8

what are the common fluoride sources in toothpaste

Answer 8

stannous fluoride SnF2
sodium fluoride NaF
sodium monofluorophosphate Na2PO3F

Question 9

what is unique about stannous fluoride in dental applications

Answer 9

stannous fluoride provides a dual action of chemical protection against tooth decay by forming a protective layer on the enamel and possesses antibacterial properties against oral pathogens

Question 10

how is sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) activated to release bioavailable fluoride

Answer 10

SMFP requires enzymatic activation by a salivary enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) to release bioavailable fluoride, making it compatible with more abrasives than other fluoride sources

Question 11

what is the role of potassium salts in the nerve stabilization approach to treat dentine sensitivity

Answer 11

potassium salts numb the nerves within the teeth by altering the cell’s electrical potential, which requires several weeks to take effect

Question 12

how do bioglasses contribute to tubule occlusion in the treatment of Dentine Sensitivity

Answer 12

bioglasses contain SiO2, Na2O and P2O5 which promote the growth of calcium phosphate crystals on the tooth surface, leading to the occlusion of dentinal tubules

Question 13

what mechanism allows strontium to treat Dentine Sensitivity differently from potassium

Answer 13

strontium can stabilize the nerve cell membrane without changing the cell’s potential and replace calcium in hydroxyapatite, which strengthens demineralized dentine

Question 14

describe how arginine reduces Dentine Sensitivity

Answer 14

in conjunction with calcium carbonate and phosphate, forms a plug in the dentinal tubules that prevents fluid movement, reducing sensitivity by mimicking natural saliva’s protective effects

Question 15

what is the significance of clinical trials in the development of new treatments for Dentine Sensitivity

Answer 15

clinical trials are essential for assessing the efficacy of treatments, guiding the development of new technologies like desensitizing mouthrinses, and ensuring their effectiveness and safety for managing Dentine Sensitivity