Dental Caries Quiz

Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary factors contributing to dental caries?

• Host (tooth surface)

• Oral bacteria (biofilm)

• Saliva composition

• Substrate (carbohydrates)

What happens when the pH in the biofilm drops below 5.5 for enamel?

• The tooth becomes stronger

• Demineralization begins

• The tooth regenerates enamel

• Bacteria stop metabolizing sugars

What bacteria type thrives in an environment with prolonged low pH?

• Alkalophilic bacteria

• Acidogenic and aciduric bacteria

• Anaerobic bacteria

• Facultative bacteria

Who first suggested the Chemical (Acid) Theory in 1835?

• Miller

• Robertson

• Pincus

• Erdl

What theory suggested that tooth decay originated from within the tooth like bone gangrene?

• Vital Theory

• Chemical Theory

• Worm Theory

• Humoral Theory

What was the first organic matrix recognized in enamel?

• Amelogenin

• Enamel rods

• Dentin tubules

• Nasmyth’s membrane

What happens when calcium and phosphate are driven from the tooth into the biofilm?

• The tooth becomes stronger

• Demineralization occurs

• The pH rises

• The bacteria stop producing acid

Who proposed the Proteolytic Theory in 1944?

• Gottlieb

• Miller

• Pincus

• Robertson

What was the belief behind the Worm Theory?

• Acid formed due to sugar fermentation

• Tooth worms bore holes in the teeth

• Saliva played a major role in decay

• Blood circulation affected teeth

What is the first step in the Chemico-Parasitic Theory?

• Enamel destruction

• Bacterial invasion

• Decalcification of enamel and dentin destruction

• Formation of cavities