| |
|
Bacteria, sugar, and teeth are each critical elements in the formation of caries. |
| |
|
Caries do not form in the absence of bacteria, regardless of sugar intake. |
| |
|
It takes 20-40 minutes for acids produced during a meal to be neutralized, at which time the tooth can begin to remineralize. |
| |
|
It is possible to reverse the demineralization process before cavitation occurs. |
| |
|
Streptococcus mutans is the primary bacteria involved in caries development and is transmitted from the mouth of a caregiver to the infant. |
| |
|
The virulence of Strep mutans varies with the strain; although you cannot modify the type, you can alter the number of bacteria present. |
| |
|
Brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, Xylitol, fluoride, and special mouthrinses can decrease the number of bacteria in a child's mouth. |
| |
|
S mutans is transmitted through saliva, such as when a caregiver tastes a child's drink before serving or shares utensils. |
| |
|
The risk of demineralization and caries development is in direct relationship to the frequency in which the teeth are exposed to sugar. |
| |
|
All fermentable sugars can be metabolized by bacteria. |
| |
|
Because certain medications contain sugar, physicians should be mindful when prescribing them. |
| |
|
Brushing teeth immediately after eating sticky foods and choosing fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grain snacks helps to decrease caries risk. |
| |
|
Enamel serves as a physical barrier to bacterial invasion of the root. |
| |
|
The acid produced by bacteria demineralizes the tooth's enamel, increasing a child's risk for caries. |
| |
|
Children tend to have teeth similar to their parents because they learn their parent's eating and oral hygiene patterns. |
| |
|
The health and strength of the enamel can be modified by changing health behaviors. |
| |
|
The alkaline properties of saliva allow it to buffer acid, thereby decreasing demineralization. |
| |
|
Saliva contains numerous bacteriostatic substances. |
| |
|
Saliva aids in remineralization by supplying calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to help construct enamel. |
| |
|
Decreased saliva production promotes the development of caries. |
| |
|
Children with known or suspected decreased saliva production should be monitored closely by a dentist. |
| |
|
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) affects children younger than the age of 5. |
| |
|
ECC spreads rapidly within the mouth, typically resulting in severe disease. |
| |
|
Caries development is independent of the method of feeding. |
| |
|
ECC is concentrated among poor and minority children, with 80% of tooth decay occurring in 25% of children. |
| |
|
ECC affects the teeth that erupt first, those less protected by saliva, and those with grooved surfaces. |
| |
|
The upper maxillary incisors tend to be affected by ECC first, followed by the first and second primary molars. |
| |
|
The molars are at high risk of caries development because of their grooved surfaces, as food becomes lodged in the pits and fissures. |
| |
|
The canines and lower teeth are less likely to be affected by ECC. |
| |
|
If intervention occurs during the white spot stage (second stage), ECC is entirely reversible. |
| |
|
Dentine caries affect the nerve and pain fibers, at which stage sensitivity to heat and cold, as well as pain, develop. |
| |
|
ECC has a significant effect on children's overall health. |
| |
|
ECC is a strong predictor of caries development in permanent teeth. |
| |
|
Approximately 51 million school hours are missed per year for dental problems, with poor, Hispanic females missing school most often. |
| |
|
The financial burden of repairing ECC is enormous, with such costs far exceeding those of preventive dental care. |
| |
|
Ethnicity and socioeconomic status can impact a child's likelihood of developing caries. |
| |
|
If a parent or sibling has caries, it is likely that the child will have them, too. |
| |
|
Children with special health care needs or certain chronic medical conditions have increased risk of developing caries. |
| |
|
The presence of even a single cavity in a young child is a strong risk factor for future decay. |
| |
|
ECC is a preventable disease. |
| |
|
ECC has a significant effect on overall health. |
| |
|
Physicians can impact ECC with proper anticipatory guidance. |
| |
|
Fluoride should be provided both topically and systemically. |
