Prepared by: Roxanne Mae Birador SN

DENTAL PLAQUE & CARIES

ANATOMY

DENTAL PLAQUE also called: bacterial plaquea filmy deposit on the surface of atooth consisting of a mixture of mucus, bacteria, food, etc. 

OVERVIEW

DENTAL CARIES also called: tooth decay  a process of demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to destruction of enamel and dentin, with cavitation of the tooth.

Factors that increase the risk of tooth decay:

Diet: foods and drinks high in sugar or carbohydrates

Poor oral hygiene

Smoking and alcohol

Dry mouth

Sjogren’s Syndrome

HOW TOOTH DECAY HAPPENS

HOW TO KEEP IT HEALTHY

ASSESSMENT

ToothacheTooth sensitivityMild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or coldVisible holes or pits in your teethBrown, black or white staining on any surface of a toothPain when you bite down

TEST & DIAGNOSIS

Dentist can usually detect tooth decay easily by:

Asking about tooth pain and sensitivity

Examining your mouth and teeth

Probing the teeth with dental instruments to check for soft areas

Looking at dental X-rays, which can show the extent of cavities and decay

Panoramic x-rays: Why are they important?

It gives the dentists an overall picture of all  child's teeth, sinuses, jaw bones, and other hard and soft tissues of his/her head and neck.

Diseases and Conditions Cavities/tooth decay., Mayo Clinic Staff., May 30, 2014. Retrieved (July 17, 2015) from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/basics/definition/con-20030076

Caries. March 3, 2014., The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. Retrieved (July 17, 2015) from: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec08/ch095/ch095b.html

REFERENCES

The Center for Advanced Dental Care., January 30, 2013., Quality, progressive dental care with a personal touch. Retrieved (July 17, 2015) from: http://cfadcnewton.blogspot.com/

http://www.pediatricdentistsf.com/faqs_firstvisit_pano.php

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20030076