Quiz on the Significance of Dental Plaque and Stephan's Curve

What does pH measure?

• Density of a liquid

• Temperature of a solution

• Hydrogen ion concentration

• Oxygen levels in water

What is the pH level of pure water at 25°C?

• 6.5

• 5.5

• 8.0

• 7.0

What is the primary buffer in stimulated saliva?

• Phosphate

• Bicarbonate

• Calcium

• Sodium

What does Stephan's Curve describe?

• The structure of teeth

• The change in dental plaque pH after carbohydrate exposure

• The growth of dental plaque

• The composition of saliva

Which bacteria are known to lower plaque pH?

• Lactobacillus

• Staphylococcus

• E. coli

• Bacillus

What is the critical pH for enamel demineralization?

• 5.5

• 6.2

• 7.0

• 4.5

What happens to pH after consuming fermentable carbohydrates?

• It drops rapidly

• It rises immediately

• It increases slowly

• It remains constant

What role does salivary flow rate play in pH recovery?

• Higher flow leads to slower recovery

• Lower flow leads to faster recovery

• Higher flow leads to faster recovery

• Flow rate has no effect

What is the effect of bicarbonate ions in saliva?

• Decrease saliva flow

• Increase acidity

• Neutralize acids

• Promote bacterial growth

What is the initial effect of sucrose on plaque pH?

• Rapid drop

• Slow decrease

• Gradual increase

• No effect