Name: Arcayna, Mitche Instructor: Mr. Marvin B.

Gonzaga

Section:11E Date: 03/19/2021

Laboratory Activity No. 7

Microbial Flora of the Mouth:

Determination of Susceptibility to Dental Caries

Review Questions
g/gAnswer the following questions in 5-10 sentences (5 points for each question).

1. How would you explain the differential nature of the Snyder agar medium as used for the
detection of dental caries?
 If lactobacilli is present, the green medium will change to yellow as the bacillus breaks
down or ferments the glucose.

2. How would you explain the mechanism responsible for the formation of dental caries by
resident microorganisms?
 Lactobacillus acidophilus is the principal cause of dental carries. The acid produced
by the fermentation of sugar by the lactobacilli breaks down the enamel and dentin.

3. What is the function of the paraffin in this procedure?

The function of the paraffin is to stimulate salivation.

4. Are all members of the resident flora of the mouth capable of initiating dental caries?
Explain.
No. The streptococcal flora, both aerobic and anaerobic, as well as members of the genus
Lactobacillus are capable of acid production, therefore, they are implicated in dental caries.
Other oral organisms, such as anaerobic spirochetes, vibrios, fusiform bacteria, and
staphylococci, are not believed to play a role in tooth decay.

5. What is the ideal time of day to perform this procedure? Why?

The ideal time of day for performing this procedure is upon awakening and prior to the
performance of dental hygiene; at this time, the number of oral bacteria involved in dental caries
is greatest.

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