Sanisera Fieldschool 2010, session 4: Dental Health, by Ashley Nagel

Dental Health

Ashley NagelSession #42010

Plaque

• Consists of microorganisms and extracellular matrix

-Microorganisms: streptococcus mutans and anaerobes (bacterias)

-Extracellular matrix: proteins, lipids and polysaccharids

Dental Calculus• Mineralized plaque that attaches to the tooth surface

-Supra-gingival: attaches to cervical crown

-Sub-gingival: attaches to root surface• Shows up mostly on lingual surfaces of anterior teeth and buccal

surfaces of molars• Amount of dental calculus is scored on a 3 point scale (1 being

slight, 3 being considerable)

Dental CariesRange in size and shape

Demineralization of enamel by the waste products of oral bacteria.

S. mutans, S. aureus

And so does everything!

Factors

• The two main factors influencing both caries and calculus are oral hygiene and diet

Dietary Factors

Complex carbohydrates survive longer in oral cavity, consumed over longer duration

Carbohydrates more easily digested by oral bacteria, create acidic waste easier

Sucrose, starch

Saliva neutralizes oral pH and breaks down food particles

Refined V. Unrefined Food Texture

Refinement and processing influence clearance time from oral cavityFood boiling and processing breaks down cell walls and releases carbohydrates

Oral hygiene

• Fluoride Exposure

Periodontal disease

• Plaque, hygiene and diet influence periodontal disease• Bacteria from plaque, dental calculus and from the mouth in general

start to make their way to the periodontal ligaments and aveolar region• As a response against the bacteria an immune response is started• This response causes irritation and inflammation• As the inflammation increases the collagen fibers become disrupted and

the legion begins to grow• With an expanding legion and more inflammation a loss of ligament

attachments occur• This can result in tooth loss and bone loss

Romans?

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