PathologyLesson 1 of 3 in the course Digestive System Infections

Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease, and Viral and Fungal Oral Infections

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

Dental caries, commonly called tooth decay or cavities, result from microbial activity on the teeth. This lesson explains how oral microbes form plaque, damage tooth minerals, and can cause deeper infections if decay is not treated.

After clean teeth come into contact with saliva, a layer of proteins and carbohydrates forms on their surfaces. Microbes attach to this layer and develop a biofilm called plaque. The bacterium Streptococcus mutans is a particularly important cariogenic species in these biofilms.

All flashcards

What are dental caries?
Microbial lesions that damage the hard tissues of teeth; commonly called tooth decay or cavities.
How does plaque form on teeth?
Salivary proteins and carbohydrates coat the tooth surface; microbes attach to this layer and form a biofilm.
Why is Streptococcus mutans important in dental caries?
It is a particularly important cariogenic species found in dental plaque biofilms.
What is dental calculus?
Plaque that has hardened through calcification; also called tartar.
How does fluoride help protect enamel?
It becomes incorporated into enamel hydroxyapatite, helping enamel resist acid, and slows bacterial activity.

Quiz questions

  1. Which bacterial species is particularly important in dental caries biofilms?Answer: Streptococcus mutans
  2. What role does dextran play in dental plaque?Answer: It contributes to the biofilm's extracellular matrix.
  3. How do plaque bacteria contribute to enamel demineralization?Answer: They ferment sugars and produce acids that dissolve tooth minerals.
  4. Why can a dental X-ray help when a cavity is not visible externally?Answer: It can reveal deeper lesions and damage near roots or bone.
  5. When decay infects the pulp, which treatment may remove infected tissue and help prevent further spread?Answer: Root canal treatment

Based on Microbiology by Nina Parker, Mark Schneegurt, Anh-Hue Thi Tu, Philip Lister, Brian M. Forster (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Pathology

All Pathology lessons
PathologyPathogenesis and Clinical Features of Major Bacterial Gastrointestinal Diseases5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyTransmission and Tissue Effects of Major Parasitic Infections5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologySkin Barriers, Skin Microbiota, and Eye Defenses and Inflammation5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyReproductive-System Viruses: HSV, HPV, and Surveillance5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyProtozoan Gastrointestinal Infections: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, and Cyclospora5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyBacterial Respiratory Infections: Pathogens, Mechanisms, and Clinical Features5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →