Dental Anatomy and Oral Health Assessment Flashcards

Which Angle classification describes a malocclusion where the mandible is positioned posteriorly relative to the maxilla?

Answer: Class II (distocclusion)

Class II malocclusion (distocclusion) occurs when the mandibular arch is positioned posterior to normal, resulting in an increased overjet and a prominent upper jaw appearance.

Which is the largest of the three major paired salivary glands?

Answer: Parotid gland

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland, located anterior and inferior to the ear, and drains through Stensen's duct into the oral cavity.

Xerostomia is the clinical term for:

Answer: Dry mouth caused by reduced saliva flow

Xerostomia is the subjective sensation of dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent salivary flow, which significantly increases caries risk.

In the Universal Numbering System, permanent teeth are numbered starting at:

Answer: Upper right third molar (#1) ending at lower right third molar (#32)

The Universal Numbering System numbers permanent teeth 1–32 beginning at the upper right third molar and proceeding around the arches to the lower right third molar.

What is bruxism?

Answer: Involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth

Bruxism is involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, often occurring during sleep, and can cause attrition, tooth fractures, and TMJ dysfunction.

Which cranial nerve provides the primary sensory innervation to the teeth and most oral structures?

Answer: Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal nerve)

The trigeminal nerve (CN V), through its maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions, provides sensory innervation to the teeth, periodontium, and most oral mucosa.