Dental plaque is a filmy deposit on teeth consisting of mucus, bacteria, food and other particles. It can lead to tooth decay, a process where enamel and dentin are demineralized and destroyed, potentially causing cavities. Factors that increase decay risk include foods high in sugar, poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth and Sjogren's Syndrome. Decay happens when acids from plaque dissolve enamel. Dentists can detect decay through examining teeth for soft areas, probing with instruments, and taking dental x-rays to view the extent of cavities.

1. Prepared by: Roxanne Mae Birador SN
DENTAL PLAQUE
& CARIES

2. ANATOMY

3. DENTAL PLAQUE
also called: bacterial plaque
a filmy deposit on the surface of a
tooth consisting of a mixture of
mucus, bacteria, food, etc.
OVERVIEW

4. 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.

8. Factors that increase the risk of tooth decay:
Diet: foods and drinks high in
sugar or carbohydrates
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking and alcohol

9. Dry mouth
Sjogren’s Syndrome

11. HOW TOOTH DECAY
HAPPENS

12. HOW TO KEEP IT
HEALTHY

13. ASSESSMENT
Toothache
Tooth sensitivity
Mild to sharp pain when eating or
drinking something sweet, hot or
cold
Visible holes or pits in your teeth
Brown, black or white staining on
any surface of a tooth
Pain when you bite down

14. 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

15. 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.

17. 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/ch095
b.html
REFERENCES

18. 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