In: Anatomy and Physiology
Question 1: Discuss the roles of oxygen and pH in dental caries, periodontitis and gingivitis.
Question 2: Should prophylactic antibiotic be given before deep cleaning of teeth? Discuss the pros and cons.
Ans 1 |
Role of oxygen in dental caries, periodontitis and gingivitis. |
Bacteria that get colonized on the root surfaces of the teeth are responsible for prognosis destructive periodontitis. Majority of bacteria that cause caries and periodontitis are aerobic bacteria. Their growth is supported by the presence of oxygen. This flourishes bacterial growth and results in tooth decay. |
Role of pH in dental caries, periodontitis and gingivitis. |
pH plays and important role in health and disease of teeth. Consumption of acidic food in diet causes decrement in pH of the stomach which starts to initiate tooth decay. Citric acid (compared to phosphoric acid) causes more progression of tooth decay. The acidic pH causes damage to teeth by reacting with calcium of the tooth. |
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Ans 2 |
Role of prophylactic antibiotic given before deep cleaning of teeth |
Antibiotic prophylaxis implies the administration of antibiotics before commencing dental procedures viz. as teeth cleaning, root canals, tooth extractions, and deep cleaning for tooth root and gums to retard bacterial infection. Cephalospirin, azithromycin and tetracycline are used for this purpose. |