Question

topic: adolescent use of protective measures to prevent dental caries in their permanent teeth

Briefly explain how the scientific method could be used to address one issue related to the topic above.

Answer 1

Dental caries is a scientific term used for tooth decay or cavities. It occurs by a specific type of bacteria Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria produce acid, which destroys the tooth's enamel and the dentin layer.

There are many types of bacteria live in mouth, on the teeth they make a sticky film called plaque. Plaque contains saliva, food particles and other natural substances.

Bacteria turns sugar and carbohydrates found in the food into acids. This acid dissolves minerals in the hard enamel of tooth. The enamel develops pits, initially they were very small but gradually they become large. It also affects the dentin layer, when enamel and dentin breaks it creates a cavity. If bacteria is not removed it will enter the inner layer of teeth and affect the soft pulp and nerve fibres.

It is a major problem among adolescents because the consumption of junk fooods, chocolates and foods containing sugar and carbohydrate is more.

Destroyed or decayed enamels can not be reversed back leading to a painful condition they finally ends with extraction of tooth, so prevention is the only way to get rid of this major issue.

There are various preventive measures, some of them are reducing intake of sugar containing foods, maintaing oral hygiene, Eating chewing gum having xylitol also helps in decreasing bacterial growth in mouth, using fluorides tooth can be strengthened, sealeants are also used to protect the molars and premolars (permanent tooths).

Fissure sealants are one among the scientific methods used to prevent dental carries , these are applied to the grooves and pits of teeth, usually the molars, to create a barrier between the tooth surface and the oral environment, and it helps in preventing dental caries.

Sealants are thin layers of white resin composite, it protects the grooves of molars and premolars. Molars and premolars have fine gaps on their biting surface these are called pits and fissures. These areas are more prone to bacterial attack , leading to tooth decay because tiny food particles stick to them and allow the bacteria to grow and attack the tooth and form cavities.

Sealants fill these small grooves and close them tightly by this while brushing toothbrush can properly clean the entire surface of the tooth.They remain on surface of tooth for few years.

The method:-  small microscopic pores were created on tooth by using an acidic solution directly applying on the grooves of the tooth for a minute, so that the resin used to seal can adhere to the enamel of tooth, then this solution is removed by rinsing, and tooth is quickly dried by a stream of air, after that the resin is applied, then a blue light is signed on the resin to enable it's sealing power and to harden it. If any mistake found they are again resealed.

Good moisture control is the greatest challenge for a successful sealant application, resin-based sealant application is particularly sensitive to moisture contamination, it should be checked properly , and if needed resealing is done, and to check the retention of sealent yearly check-up should be there to evaluate the condition of sealant. if needed resealing is done.

Rasin based dental sealent is an effective scientific method to seal fissures and prevent carries and tooth decay among adolescents who are more prone to dental carries due to their food habbits.