Grin and Bare It Trivia Quiz

Answer: Caries

Caries is the tooth decay that is commonly called cavities. Caused by acids that are produced by bacteria in dental plaque, caries can lead to tooth destruction and painful infections. The first signs of caries are sensitivity to hot and cold and pain when food or drink touches the infected area. Luckily a dentist can help restore the tooth using silver amalgam, which is the most common method, composite resins, which is popular because it resembles enamel, or glass ionomer, which releases fluoride after being put in place.

Answer: Pulpitis

Pulpitis is an extremely painful condition, and can lead to infection. Caused by either tooth decay or accidental injury, an abscess can form, which makes the tooth extremely sensitive. If an abscess forms and is left untreated, the infection may spread to the jaw or other areas of the body.

There are two ways of treating this condition. First, the dentist may remove the tooth decay and restore the tooth; if this is not possible, a root canal treatment or extraction of the tooth must occur.

Answer: Periapical Abscess

Depending on the location of an abscessed tooth, swelling may spread to the jaw, mouth, or an area in the cheeks. Eventually the infected issue may break open, causing the pus to drain. Yikes! The first course of action is to perform oral surgery or a root canal, but the infection will also have to be treated with antibiotics.

Answer: Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth are caused by the overcrowding of teeth; for example, after a baby tooth falls out, there may not be enough room for the new tooth to grow in. Typically the most common teeth to become impacted, however, are wisdom teeth. This is because they are the last permanent teeth to come in and the jaw sometimes doesn't have enough space for them to emerge. Dentists usually remove impacted teeth, either in their offices or in the hospital, because they tend to become infected.

Answer: Gingivitis

Gingivitis commonly occurs because of the presence of plaque that attaches to the surface of the tooth. Swollen, red gums, and bleeding after brushing or flossing are potential signs of gingivitis. Good oral hygiene, in the form of daily brushing or flossing may reverse the effects of gingivitis, along with the removal of plaque, which should be done by the dentist. Left untreated, the result may be tissue destruction or bone resorption, where tissue breaks down in the bone around the teeth.

Answer: Halitosis

Patients will commonly seek their dentist's advice when they think they have bad breath; surprisingly, many people don't have halitosis at all! Those who do are found to have bacteria below the gumline and on the back of the tongue. Better or different oral hygiene is usually suggested for those diagnosed with the condition; brushing or scraping the back of the tongue and using dental floss can help.

In rare circumstances halitosis can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as liver failure.

Answer: Bruxism

Aching jaws, sensitive teeth, headaches, and damage to the teeth are indications of bruxism, which can either occur when awake (awake bruxism) or asleep (sleep bruxism). The cause is largely unknown, however, for some it may be an involuntary activity; sometimes it is believed to be associated with a stressful lifestyle. Different medications, such as antidepressants and muscle relaxants, have been known to help with the disorder.

Answer: Xerostomia

It is difficult to find the cause of xerostomia; it can be due to a change in the flow of saliva or a change in its composition. Many medications are known to cause xerostomia, as well as breathing through one's mouth. This dental dilemma is difficult to diagnose and, therefore, treat. Saliva substitutes, such as water, or saliva stimulants, such as chewing gum, may help, as well as focusing on better oral hygiene.

Answer: Malocclusion

Malocclusion is "a misalignment of incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close". Even though malocclusion is a bit of a dental dilemma, it is not always severe enough to require treatment. Activities such as thumb sucking, pacifier usage, and nail biting may exacerbate the problem during skeletal development. Adjustments are commonly made by an orthodontist or, if severe, surgery may be required to correct the problem.

Answer: Stomatitis

Stomatitis has a variety of causes, such as poor nutrition and allergic reactions. Dental stomatitis, however, is a fungal condition which is caused by the wearing of dentures. It is said to be relatively painless and easily treated with anti-fungal medication, good hygienic practices, and taking one's dentures out before sleeping.