Title: Module 3 Introduction
Course: DEH 1720 Dental Hygiene Course > Section: Module 3 - Carious Lesions

Introduction

This module includes the process in which carious lesions are formed, the various types of caries lesions, and the specific bacteria involved with this destruction of the tooth structure. Caries is considered to be a multifactorial disease. An introduction to these multiple factors will be presented. Some of the minerals that are lost during the caries process can often be reincorporated into the tooth structure. The role of fluoride in this process called remineralization will be introduced.

Caries is considered to be one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. The dental hygiene student should understand the caries process to effectively educate patients on how to prevent it from occurring. The dental hygienist has a major primary preventive role in regards to dental caries.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Describe the four types of carious lesions that are found on the different surfaces of teeth.
- List the bacteria MOST often implicated in the caries process, and indicate when each is present in the highest number during the caries process.
- Describe the characteristics of root caries, and explain the differences and similarities to coronal caries.
- Describe the relationship between pH and the saturation of calcium and phosphorus ions in caries development.
- Describe the protective relationship of calcium fluoride to hydroxyapatite and fluorhydroxyapatite during an acidogenic attack.

Readings & Resources

Primary Preventive Dentistry--Chapter 5 pgs 53-68

Assignments & Activities

- Complete the Module 3 Slide Presentation.
- Complete the Module 3 Reflective Assignment.
- Complete the Module 3 Quiz.