What are caries?5 answersDental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is a prevalent infectious disease affecting the teeth. It results from a complex interplay of factors including microbial agents like Streptococcus mutans, dietary components, and host factors such as saliva composition. The disease involves demineralization of tooth structures due to acid production by cariogenic bacteria, primarily S. mutans, leading to cavity formation. Dental caries can impact individuals of all age groups, with children and adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Prevention strategies are crucial and include promoting oral hygiene, healthy dietary habits, access to fluoride products, and regular dental check-ups. Classification systems have been developed to aid in diagnosing and treating carious lesions effectively. Overall, dental caries pose a significant global health concern that necessitates comprehensive preventive measures and treatment approaches.
Are alivary enzymes are able to enter and dissolve the dentine layer, producing caries.?5 answersSalivary enzymes, specifically matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), have been found to play a role in the degradation of dentin organic matrix in caries progression. These enzymes are activated in an acidic environment, such as the dentinal fluid during the carious process. Salivary MMPs have been shown to be involved in the destruction of dentin by caries. Additionally, proteolytic enzymes, including collagenases, have been implicated in the degradation of the dentin organic matrix. Salivary MMP-8, also known as salivary collagenase-2, has been found to be elevated in subjects with manifest caries lesions. These findings suggest that salivary enzymes, particularly MMPs, can enter the dentin layer and contribute to the dissolution of dentin in caries.
Why dental erosion does not have surface zone as same as caries zone?4 answersDental erosion does not have the same surface zone as caries because it is caused by acid exposure from sources such as beverages, acidic foods, gastric regurgitation, or atmospheric pollution, rather than bacteria. Erosion leads to the dissolution of mineral within the enamel layer and beneath the surface, making dental hard tissue vulnerable to abrasive forces. In contrast, caries is caused by bacterial activity that produces acid, leading to demineralization of the tooth surface. The process of erosive tooth wear occurs when abrasive forces are involved, which further contributes to the loss of dental hard tissue. Additionally, the diagnosis of dental erosion may be complicated by concurrent tooth structure loss from abrasion, attrition, or abfraction. Therefore, the mechanisms and factors involved in dental erosion differ from those of caries, resulting in distinct surface zones for each condition.
What is the relationship between dental caries and gender?4 answersDental caries has been found to have a relationship with gender. Several studies have shown that males are at a higher risk of dental caries compared to females. This gender bias in caries risk may be attributed to factors such as poor dietary habits and oral hygiene practices among males. Additionally, a study found that the prevalence of missing tooth surfaces, which is an indicator of dental caries, was higher among males compared to females. However, another study found that while higher caries experience was found among females, the association between gender and caries was not statistically significant. Furthermore, a study found that the prevalence of class 1 dental caries, the most common type of caries, was slightly higher in males. Overall, while there is some evidence suggesting a relationship between dental caries and gender, further research is needed to fully understand and define this association.
What are the disparities in dental caries among different population groups?3 answersDisparities in dental caries exist among different population groups. Racial/ethnic disparities were found in the receipt of preventive dental services among children, with non-Hispanic white children more likely to receive these services compared to children from minority groups. Medicaid-enrolled children also showed racial differences in caries experience, with Black children having significantly higher frequency of untreated decay and caries compared to non-Black children. Socioeconomic status (SES) was found to be associated with dental caries, with lower SES being linked to higher prevalence of dental caries. Additionally, a review found that Indigenous populations globally have a higher prevalence of dental caries compared to non-Indigenous populations. These disparities highlight the need for continuous efforts to promote preventive dental services and address social determinants of oral health to reduce the burden of dental caries among different population groups.
Which variables can I study to compare curricula in caries teaching?5 answersCaries teaching curricula can be compared by studying variables such as the inclusion of cariology as a key axis of a course, the presence of a cariology department, the hours and timing of cariology instruction in the curriculum, the teaching of main caries detection methods, the criteria for making operative treatment decisions, the incorporation of preventive strategies and risk assessment, and the emphasis on oral health in teaching. Additionally, the depth and detail of cariology programs, as well as the implementation of modern diagnostic and treatment modalities, can be examined. By analyzing these variables, it is possible to compare the content, structure, and approach of caries teaching in different curricula.