Question

Q. A hygienist places a sealant on a permanent molar to prevent which class of caries(use G.V. Black's classification)?

a. class I
b. class II
c. class III
d. class IV
e. class V
f. class VI

Answer 1

A dental hygienist uses a sealant to prevent Class I caries according to G.V. Black's classification, which are found in pits and fissures of teeth. Microbes, particularly Streptococcus mutans, contribute to tooth decay by transforming sugars into acids that erode enamel.

Step-by-step explanation:

A hygienist places a sealant on a permanent molar to prevent dental caries specifically of G.V. Black's Class I classification. Class I caries affect pits and fissures on the occlusal (biting) surfaces of molars and premolars, buccal or lingual pits of molars, and lingual pits of upper incisors. Applying a sealant effectively seals these vulnerable areas from bacterial colonization and acid attack. This preventive measure helps in maintaining oral health by protecting the teeth against decay caused by microbial action.

Microbes contribute to tooth decay by feeding on sugars present in the mouth and releasing acids as a byproduct, which in turn causes dental caries. The most important cariogenic species of bacteria in this process is Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria are mainly responsible for the initiation of dental caries because they adhere to the tooth surface and metabolize sugars to produce lactic acid, which erodes the enamel.