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WorksheetsQuiz on the Significance of Dental Plaque and Stephan's Curve
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 8mins
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
Which carbohydrate is considered cariogenic?
Sucrose
Lactose
Starch
Maltose
What is the role of salivary amylase?
Increases plaque density
Breaks down starch
Breaks down proteins
Neutralizes acids
What happens to phosphate ions in acidic conditions?
They dissolve into aqueous phase
They form new compounds
They increase in concentration
They remain in solid phase
What is the effect of a dense plaque matrix?
Accelerates pH recovery
Decreases acid production
Increases saliva flow
Slows diffusion of acids
How long does it typically take for plaque pH to recover?
15-40 minutes
1-2 hours
5-10 minutes
30-60 minutes
