Points to ponder

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS/SUBHEADINGS. Use the slides provided and no outside resources. I am a dental hygiene STUDENT, so when they say "clinicians" they're referring to dental hygienists. All these questions are related to dental hygiene, so please stay on topic.

Points to Ponder: Week 5

1.    In normal biofilm no One strain dominates the colony:

a.  What conditions could change to allow one strain to dominate?When the harmonious balance of the bacteria within the colony is interrupted, one strain could dominate. Environmental changes such as alteration of host defenses, nutrients, retention, and introduction of new toxins to the body could influence the dominance.

b.  Describe why the host response might be different if one strain dominated.Because the domination of one strain causes some pathogens to be stronger and others weaker, which alters the host response.

 2.Outline how environment, genetics, and behavior play a role in host-biofilm interactions.

-Environmental changes influence the microbial selection of the biofilm's composition and maintain the acidic environment for the tooth surface to thrive.

-Genetics influence coaggregation, which is the attachment of distinct bacteria. This influences selective attachment so that biofilm doesn't form in random areas.

3.Outline various methods by which clinicians can alter the four virulence factors.

By interrupting bacterial attachment and interrupting invasion of the host environment.

4.Does calculus cause disease?The continual accumulation of calcium deposits (calculus) can cause bleeding or receding gums.

 5.Why is it better to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing?To manage biofilms that cannot be removed, that is, by reducing periodontal diseases by maintaining oral hygiene.

 6. Describe the clinical findings and anticipated host response for each of the five stages of biofilm formation

-Few minutes after the host has cleaned their teeth, a pellicle layer forms over the tooth, fully covers the tooth after two hours, and protects the host from bacterial attack and subsequent dental hygiene problems.

-Coaaggregation marks stage two, where genetic attachment of unique bacteria occurs.

-The already attached bacteria secrete the extracellular protective matrix, which protects the host from immune defenses and chemical attacks.

-At stage 4, the development of microbial blooms is caused by the accelerated growth of particular species. Here, the biofilm is thicker and fluid channels penetrate the protective matrix.

7.Considering each of the four methods of bacterial attachment, what can be done to prevent biofilm attachment?Introducing a chemical process, such as drugs, interferes with the genetic attachment of unique bacteria and biofilm formation.

8.Use the fluid dynamics theory to describe what anticipated effects this action will have on oral biofilm.Fluid dynamics explain the flow of water and air at varying velocities on a tooth surface. This flow may alter genetic attachment and slow down biofilm formation.

9.Compare and contrast the three current hypotheses that relate bacteria to oral disease

-One current hypothesis is the presence of oral diseases, as influenced by poor hygiene

-The second hypothesis explains how cavity bacteria can be transferred from one host to another person.

-The third hypothesis suggests that oral diseases are not infectious and that cavity bacteria can only be transferred through kissing or saliva exchange.

10.   Describe the three methods of calculus attachment and how they might impact their removal with instrumentation.

-Attachment on acquired peccicle.

-On normal tooth irregularities such as cracks and scratches.

-Through direct contact with inorganic truth crystals and mineralized biofilm

11.Why would calculus “feel” different from enamel, cementum, and restorations when using an explorer?

Using an explorer, one can identify unusual bumps and grainy feelings beneath the jaw and on enamel which are symptoms of calculus.

 Points-To-Ponder Week 6

1.Understanding the concepts in ‘lines of defense’ describes how a client might maintain health vs. maintaining the disease.

The three lines of defense are the body’s way of fighting new entrants of bacteria, which would normally define a healthy client. However, from the second line of defense, immunity could cause problems such as acute inflammation characterized by heat, redness, and pain due to the accumulation of plasma and leukocytes to fight bacteria. At this point, the affected body part may lose its function, and the inflammatory stage advances to chronic stages where the client is no longer maintaining health but disease and would need to consult a specialist

2.Inflammation is a ‘normal’ reaction to stimulus; in your own words, describe the purpose of inflammation.

Inflammation is the unusual heat around an affected area that may be identified by swelling, redness, and pain.

3.Considering the behavior of tissue structure, how does TEM take place?

TEM takes place by producing an electron and focusing it on the particular tissue structure under observation.

4.Describe in your word the clinical differences that might be seen between acute and chronic inflammation.

Acute inflammation is observed through reactions such as redness, swelling, heating up of the infected area, and temporal pain. In contrast, chronic inflammation occurs when those symptoms persist over a long period, such as a week.

5.ive an example of ‘up-regulation’ (amplification seen in cellular communication during inflammation.

Vasodilation is described as increased capillary diameter due to increased blood flow to the affected area

6.What is the function of the third line of defense?The body uses the third line of defense to learn pathogens and adapt itself against pathogens, preventing reinfection.

7.    Is a cytokine different from a mediator or a lymphokine?

A cytokine is not different from a mediator or lymphokine since the latter is a subset of a cytokine. Also, a cytokine is known as an immune system mediator.

Points-to-Ponder week 7

1.       Describe how the periodontal tissues function together to form a biological seal.

The periodontal tissues work to save the host and not necessarily the tooth. To form a biological seal, these tissues form a junctional epithelium which maintains a tight seal against the tooth surface.

2.       A client receives a penetrating injury to the lower jaw; list each of the tissues that this injury goes through from the outside of the face tough the sulcus and into the pulp chamber of a first molar.

The hypodermis is the outside tissue of the skin surrounding the jaw and is injured first. Next, the periodontal tissues may be injured, followed by spongious and particular tissues.

3.       Describe the components and function of the connective tissue components.

Connective tissues support and give structure to people’s dental structures composed of cementum, periodontal ligament, and gingival tissues.

4.       Draw and label a picture of the sulcus, including the details of the attachment to the tooth.

5.       Outline the various lines of defense that humans have against microbial attack

-The first line of defense involves acute inflammation for microbial invasion.

-The second line of defense is linked to an unresolved acute inflammation and has now progressed to the chronic stage.

-The third line of defense is a full-blown stage characterized by periodontal disease(s).

6.       What are the four purposes of inflammation?

-To alert a patient on the ongoing blood circulation to the affected area.

-To differentiate between acute and chronic conditions.

-Redness during inflammation implies blood flow to the affected area.

-Swelling shows an increase in the diameter of blood veins to supply more blood to the infected area.

7.       Describe the clinical significance of the five cardinal signs of inflammation.

The signs of inflammation signify blood flow, increased leukocytes, and plasma to fight bacteria around the infected area. Additionally, patients and specialists can determine whether the condition encountered is acute or chronic.

8.       Outline the steps involved in phagocytosis

-First, there's bacteria accumulation in the gingival margin of the tooth in the early lesion stage.

-In the early lesion stage, the biofilm matures, and cytokines attract more cellular defenders to the site.

-The established lesion where the plaque extends to the sulcus, more PMNs, macrophages, and lymphocytes are recruited.

-The advanced lesion where chronic inflammation, marked by plaque biofilm spreading laterally along the root surface, occurs.

9.       How do the roles of PMNs and Macrophages differ in terms of phagocytosis?

They release more cytokines to destroy connective tissues. Macrophages play the same role.

10.   What are the three plasma protein systems activated in inflammation?

The component system, kinin system, and clotting system.

11.   What is the source of crevicular fluid?

The periodontal tissues, through some bacterial mixtures.

12.   Describe the 4 roles that the complement system has.

-Generation of inflammatory response

-Promotes tissue reproduction

-Tissue repair

-Mediates immune responses within the dental formula

13.   What are the players involved in the adaptive immune system?

Lymphocytes improve memory and reduce infection and disease reoccurrence.

14.   How do bone loss patterns impact clinical decision-making?

It aids in identifying the risk of fracture and serious clinical conditions, including chronic pain.

Points to Ponder Week 8:

1.    How do non-modifiable risk factors get addressed during client care?

Through maintaining hygiene, administering medication, and recommending surgery.

2.    A poorly contoured restoration is considered a modifiable risk factor. What are the barriers there to modifying this type of risk factor?

Underlying issues like decaying gum can be a barrier to modifying this factor. Also, poor inspection, estimation, and examination are related barriers.

3.    Root concavities and grooves are considered modifiable risk factors; what intervention would address these?

Periodontal care during frequent rotations can address root concavities and grooves.

4.    Why would biofilm be considered the most significant risk factor for periodontal disease?

Because biofilm accumulation, without proper management through oral hygiene, is unhealthy, causing periodontal diseases.

5.    The dental hygienist says to the client, "I can treat your periodontal disease." Discuss the implications of this statement.

Dental hygienists focus on overall tooth cleanliness. The statement could imply that the hygienist will perform a tooth or root deep cleaning process.

6.    How do periodontal risk assessment tools differ from those used to formulate a care plan?

Periodontal risk assessment tools determine which risk factors patients fall under, determining whether or not they can control their diseases. In contrast, assessment tools are used after risk factors have been identified to develop a treatment plan.

7.    How might a periodontal risk assessment tool be used effectively?

A periodontal risk assessment tool can be used effectively to identify the seriousness of periodontal diseases patients might have for the development of better treatment or care plans.

8.    In what situation might a periodontal risk assessment tool be of greatest use?

A patient may not have developed a chronic periodontal condition, but early detection happens. Reasons for this may include the patient's immunity and genetic factors.