Table of Contents
Who plays a role in tooth decay?
The mouth contains a wide variety of oral bacteria, but only a few specific species of bacteria are believed to cause dental caries: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species among them. Streptococcus mutans are gram-positive bacteria which constitute biofilms on the surface of teeth.
What support and protects the teeth?
Periodontium, the supporting structure for the teeth, consists of periodontal ligament, cementum, gingiva, and alveolar bone. The periodontal ligament connects the cementum of each tooth to the surrounding alveolar bone in both the maxilla and mandible in humans.
What are the factors that play a role in the dental caries process?
Four main factors are associated with dental caries etiology. These factors are bacteria, time, susceptible tooth surface, and fermentable carbohydrates [25, 26]. Along with these factors, there are certain behavioral and sociodemographic factors that are likely to increase the risk of caries.
What supports the teeth in their normal working position?
The jaw bone, also called the alveolar bone, is the bone that contains the tooth sockets and surrounds the teeth’s roots; it holds the teeth in place.
What is a wisdom tooth for?
One major dental milestone that usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of your third molars. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age. When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew.
What Colour is tooth decay?
Generally speaking, a dental cavity (also called tooth decay) can range in color from white to brown and eventually black as the cavity continues to grow.
How are teeth anchored?
The teeth are connected with the walls of the tooth sockets and anchored in the jaws by the periodontal ligament and the cementum. The ligament is made up of connective tissue and contains collagen fibers. These fibers are especially strong so that the teeth can withstand the great pressure put on them while we chew.
What anchors teeth to jaw?
Each tooth sits in a bony socket in the jaw, and is attached by a periodontal ligament. The fibres of the ligaments not only anchor the tooth, but cushion it from heavy forces like chewing. Each periodontal ligament has a nerve and blood supply that is vital to the life of the tooth.
What is dental caries According to who?
According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), dental caries is a local pathological process of the extrasomatic background, leading to enamel decalcification, decomposition of dental hard tissue, and in consequence to formation of a dental cavity.
What is the causative agent of dental caries?
Dental caries is the most common infectious disease affecting humans. The principal causative agents are a group of streptococcal species collectively referred to as the mutans streptococci of which Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the most important agents of human caries.