Cariology

Question 1

is dental caries an infectious disease?

Answer 1

yes - with the caveat that it is a chronic disease

Question 2

what is vertical transmission?

Answer 2

transmission from mother to child (generational)

Question 3

what is horizontal transmission?

Answer 3

transmission from one member of a generation to another of that generation

Question 4

how does dental caries happen?

Answer 4

cariogenic bacteria is present, has access to fermentable carbohydrate from a persons dietary intake, with time dental caries develop

the process is mediated by saliva

Question 5

what is a biofilm when talking about dental caries?

Answer 5

• it is more than just plaque - it is a cooperative bacterial community
• extracellular matrix that typically effects areas that brushing doesn’t reach
• it is inevitable
• develops via adherence to dental pellicle
• streptococcal species are primary pioneer, but other species come after and co-aggregate

Question 6

how does plaque grow on teeth?

Answer 6

• starts with monolayer, once coated, grows outward
• takes 48 hours to mature
• disruption of this helps prevent problems

Question 7

how much sugar should we really have on a daily basis?

Answer 7

6 tsp

Question 8

what are fermentable carbohydrates prefered by dental caries?

Answer 8

• mono and di-saccharides

- glucose, fructose, galactose, maltose, sucrose, lactose

Question 9

when should children be giving up a bottle?

Answer 9

by 12 months of age

Question 10

when should pacifiers be discontinued for dental/mouth development?

Answer 10

by 12 months of age

Question 11

when should a child have their first dental check up?

Answer 11

around 12 months of age?