Question 1

Which of the following microorganisms primarily secretes lactic acid?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 2

Remineralization is caused by the caries process.This process occurs when,in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates,specific microorganisms produce organic acids that are capable of dissolving the inorganic components from the enamel and dentin.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect because remineralization is actually the process where minerals are redeposited in the enamel and dentin, not caused by the caries process. The caries process involves demineralization, which is accurately described by the reason given.

Question 3

Caries management by risk assessment can be defined as

Accepted Answer

Caries management by risk assessment is an evidence-based disease-management protocol designed for clinical practice. It aims to identify a patient's risk factors for developing tooth decay and develop a personalized treatment plan to minimize the risk.

Question 4

Which option promotes greater bacterial adhesion to the tooth and adds mass to the biofilm?

Accepted Answer

Extracellular polysaccharides are long chains of sugars that are secreted by bacterial cells to form a sticky matrix, or slime layer, that allows for greater adhesion between bacteria and the tooth surface, as well as the accumulation of additional bacteria and debris to form a thicker, more robust biofilm. S. mutans are a type of bacteria commonly found in dental biofilms that are known to produce extracellular polysaccharides, among other components. Intracellular polysaccharides and intercellular mutans are not components that directly promote adhesion or mass in dental biofilms.

Question 5

Which of the following bacteria is MOST commonly involved in the caries process?

Accepted Answer

Mutans streptococci, specifically Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, are the primary bacteria involved in the development of dental caries through their ability to produce acid and biofilm formation. While Actinomyces species, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus are also commonly found in the oral cavity, they are not as strongly associated with caries formation.

Question 6

Factors that determine outcome by interacting with each other are termed

Accepted Answer

The answer of Factors that determine outcome by interacting with...

Question 7

To initiate enamel demineralization,the pH must drop to approximately

Accepted Answer

Enamel demineralization occurs when the pH drops to approximately 5.0 to 5.5. At this level of acidity, the hydroxyapatite crystal structure of enamel begins to dissolve, leading to the breakdown of the enamel surface over time. If the pH drops below 5.0, the erosion process accelerates, leading to further damage to the teeth.

Question 8

Which of the following recommendations are appropriate for a 15 year old with a low caries risk who resides in a nonfluoridated community?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride dentifrice is always recommended for oral health maintenance, regardless of the level of caries risk. However, in a nonfluoridated community, additional fluoride sources may be necessary. Xylitol gum or mints have been shown to decrease caries risk and are a safe and effective alternative to traditional sugar-sweetened products. Dietary fluoride supplements and prescription concentration fluoride mouthrinses are not necessary for a 15-year-old with a low caries risk.

Question 9

Patients at high risk for caries need to retain higher fluoride reservoirs.Dental hygienists should advise caries-prone individuals to spit out remaining toothpaste when brushing their teeth and avoid rinsing with water.

Accepted Answer

The statement correctly mentions that patients at high risk for caries need to retain higher fluoride reservoirs. The reason correctly explains how dental hygienists can advise caries-prone individuals to spit out remaining toothpaste when brushing their teeth and avoid rinsing with water, which helps in retaining higher fluoride reservoirs. Therefore, both the statement and the reason are correct and related.

Question 10

What elements dissociate from the tooth surface during the demineralization process?

Accepted Answer

During the demineralization process, the mineral components of enamel and dentin, which are primarily made up of calcium and phosphate, dissociate from the tooth surface.

Question 11

Caries is a process that,if identified in the early stages,is reversible by remineralization of the affected area.When cavitation or a break in the enamel occurs,remineralization is no longer feasible and restorative treatment is indicated.

Accepted Answer

Both statements are accurate. Caries can indeed be reversed in its early stages through remineralization. However, once cavitation occurs, remineralization is not possible, and restorative treatment becomes necessary.

Question 12

The four primary factors implicated in the development of a carious lesion are: a susceptible host tooth,acidogenic microorganisms,available fermentable carbohydrate substrate,and

Accepted Answer

The presence of a susceptible host tooth, acidogenic microorganisms, and available fermentable carbohydrate substrate alone may not necessarily result in the development of a carious lesion. They need sufficient period of time to occur and interact with each other for the caries process to develop.

Question 13

__________is the study of dental caries and ____________is the development of caries.

Accepted Answer

Cariology is the study of dental caries, and cariogenesis refers to the development of caries.

Question 14

The presence of which of the following inhibits dissolution and enhances the remineralization process?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride is known to inhibit dissolution and enhance remineralization by forming fluorapatite, a more resistant mineral, and decreasing the demineralization rate. Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent, hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral in teeth and bones, and saliva serves various functions in the oral cavity but does not directly inhibit dissolution or enhance remineralization.

Question 15

The acidic environment causes a drop in the pH in the oral cavity,which results in a loss of calcium and phosphate from which crystals of the enamel surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyapatite and fluorohydroxyapatite are the primary mineral components of tooth enamel. Acidic environments in the oral cavity can lead to demineralization, causing a loss of calcium and phosphate from these crystals. Hydroxyapatite is the natural form found in enamel, and fluorohydroxyapatite forms when fluoride is present, which can help in remineralization and making the enamel more resistant to acid.

Question 16

Radiographic detection is enhanced by using paralleling techniques for bitewing radiographs to detect interproximal lesions and root caries.This detection technique is no longer recommended because there are more screening tools available to the dental hygienist.

Accepted Answer

The statement is correct that paralleling techniques are used to detect interproximal lesions and root caries, however, the reason given for why this detection technique is no longer recommended is not correct. The reason is not that there are more screening tools available, but rather because this technique involves higher radiation doses and is more difficult for patients to tolerate. Other techniques, such as digital bitewing radiography and fluorescence imaging, have been developed to overcome these issues.

Question 17

The dental caries disease process is dynamic in nature.Therefore,the patient has no need to be assessed frequently to evaluate and monitor disease activity.

Accepted Answer

The first statement is true because dental caries is indeed a dynamic process, meaning it can progress or regress over time depending on various factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and fluoride exposure. The second statement is false because, given the dynamic nature of dental caries, it is essential to frequently assess and monitor a patient's oral health to manage and prevent the progression of the disease effectively.

Question 18

These microorganisms tend to suppress or displace other acidogenic bacteria due to the low pH and are one of the most acid tolerant of the cariogenic microorganisms.

Accepted Answer

Lactobacillus is known for its ability to survive in low pH environments and to produce lactic acid, which can further decrease pH levels. It is considered one of the most acid tolerant of the cariogenic microorganisms and can displace other acidogenic bacteria in the oral cavity. Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are also cariogenic microorganisms, but they are not as acid tolerant as Lactobacillus. Actinomyces species are not typically associated with caries formation.

Question 19

One factor that is essential for dental caries to occur is

Accepted Answer

The presence of acidogenic microorganisms is essential for dental caries to occur. These microorganisms produce acid as a byproduct of their metabolism, which leads to demineralization of tooth enamel and ultimately causes cavities. Factors such as a high-sugar diet and poor oral hygiene can contribute to the growth of acidogenic bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and limit sugar intake to prevent dental caries. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because a high pH, salivary flow, and high-fiber diet do not necessarily contribute to the formation of dental caries.

Question 20

Which of the following dietary practices concerning sugars and refined carbohydrates correlates with the highest caries risk?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of sugar and refined carbohydrate intake is the most important dietary factor in the development of caries. This is because every time we consume sugars or refined carbohydrates, the bacteria in our mouth produce acid, which can lead to demineralization of tooth enamel. The more frequently we consume these substances, the more time our teeth are exposed to the acid, increasing the risk of caries.

Quiz 21: Cariology and Caries Management