Dental Caries - Disease & Clinical Management - 1

As a biofilm becomes thicker, the oxygen concentration decreases, leading to increased anaerobiosis. This change in oxygen levels is a crucial factor in driving microbial succession. As the oxygen diminishes, it creates an environment that favors the growth and survival of anaerobic microorganisms over aerobic ones. This shift in microbial composition is a natural progression that occurs as the biofilm develops and adapts to its changing conditions.

not-available-via-ai

The correct answer is Hypothyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, and Cerebral Palsy. These conditions are known to be associated with decreased salivary flow rate, which can increase the risk of developing dental caries. Hypothyroidism can lead to reduced saliva production, while Diabetes Mellitus can cause dry mouth due to increased blood sugar levels affecting salivary gland function. Cerebral Palsy can also affect salivary gland function and result in reduced saliva production.

High concentrations of fluoride in solution in the environment of the tooth are not more beneficial in reducing caries than low concentrations of fluoride incorporated into enamel. This is because fluoride works by strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to decay. When fluoride is incorporated into the enamel, it becomes a part of the tooth structure and provides long-term protection. On the other hand, high concentrations of fluoride in the mouth can cause enamel fluorosis, which is a cosmetic condition that affects the appearance of the teeth. Therefore, low concentrations of fluoride incorporated into enamel are more effective in reducing caries.

Campylobacter rectus is a type of biofilm bacteria that can use formate and hydrogen gas as energy sources and electron donors in metabolic reactions. This means that Campylobacter rectus has the ability to break down and utilize formate and hydrogen gas to generate energy for its metabolic processes.

The common use of 'dentin involvement' is too vaguely defined to cover the continuum of changes occurring in the pulpo-dentinal organ during caries progression and, therefore, is useless as an indicator for operative treatment. This means that the term 'dentin involvement' does not accurately describe the changes that happen in the pulpo-dentinal organ during the progression of caries. Therefore, it cannot be relied upon as an indicator for operative treatment. Additionally, the statement that neither antimicrobial nor operative treatment are required to control the microorganisms within the root dentin suggests that there are alternative methods to control the microorganisms in this area.

The correct answer options state that in the extended ecological caries hypothesis, environmental acidification is the main driving force for acid-induced adaptation and selection of microflora in the dental biofilm. It also mentions that relatively high proportions of mutans streptococci cannot survive on tooth surfaces without caries developing. Additionally, it suggests that disease can be controlled by targeting the pathogens through interference with the factors causing shifts in the balance of the microflora.

The statement "When saliva contains fluoride, and together with salivary calcium and phosphate this strongly increases the solubility of enamel and promotes demineralization" is false. Saliva containing fluoride, calcium, and phosphate actually helps to remineralize enamel and prevent demineralization. Fluoride enhances the remineralization process by promoting the formation of fluorapatite, a more resistant form of enamel. Therefore, the statement contradicts the known effects of fluoride on enamel solubility.