Why is dental caries a multifactorial disease?

Why is dental caries a multifactorial disease?

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that results from the interaction between the bacterial biofilm (i.e., dental plaque), the environment (e.g., diet, saliva composition and flow rate, fluoride exposure), and the tooth structure.

What are 3 factors that contribute to dental caries?

The three main factors in dental caries–diet, microflora and a susceptible tooth–were identified almost 100 years ago.

What macronutrient causes dental caries?

Frequent consumption of simple carbohydrates, primarily in the form of dietary sugars is significantly associated with increased dental caries risk.

What is the mechanism of dental caries?

Streptococcus mutans, which causes caries, adheres to the teeth and produces plaque, metabolizes carbohydrates contained in food (sugar in particular) and produces acid inside plaque. This acid dissolves the calcium or phosphorus that composes teeth, causing caries.

What is the role of bacteria in dental caries?

Plaque allows bacteria to stick to the teeth longer, eventually producing acids. These acids wear down tooth enamel and cause cavities. The bacteria that hangs around your gum produces similar toxic products that enter gum tissue, causing gingivitis.

Which bacteria is responsible for dental caries?

Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental decay. Various lactobacilli are associated with progression of the lesion.

What are 7 risk factors cavities?

Risk factors

• Tooth location. Decay most often occurs in your back teeth (molars and premolars).
• Certain foods and drinks.
• Frequent snacking or sipping.
• Bedtime infant feeding.
• Inadequate brushing.
• Not getting enough fluoride.
• Younger or older age.
• Dry mouth.

What does start of cavity look like?

What Does a Cavity Look Like? While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.

What foods cause dental caries?

Here are some of the worst foods for your teeth:

• Sugary Sweets and Candies. If you need to have sweets, eat those that quickly dissolve in your mouth.
• Soft Drinks. Soft drinks, whether sugar-free or not, contain acid.
• Pickles.
• Wine.
• Citrus Fruits.
• Crackers.
• Sports Beverages.
• Sugar.

How does poor diet contribute to tooth decay in early childhood?

Causes of tooth decay in young children Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from foods and drinks. These bacteria produce acid, which damages the outer surface of the tooth (the enamel).

What is the role of bacteria in dental caries Class 7?

… Inside the biofilm, the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, in particular sugars, causes the production of organic acids with a pH 4.5. These acids can demineralize the tooth enamel, resulting in caries 7, 8 .

Can dental caries be reversed?

Can tooth decay be reversed? Yes, you can, but reversing the process is a life-long commitment – not a quick fix. To reverse tooth decay and prevent cavities, you need to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, and be wary of what you eat and drink.

What are the factors involved in dental caries?

Factors involved in the dental caries process include the tooth, bacteria in the form of a dental plaque, and a diet containing sugar. The quantity, quality, and frequency of sugar intake have a definitive influence on the incidence and prevalence of caries.

How to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease?

Since dental caries do not progress without the bacteria present in dental plaques, daily plaque removal by brushing, flossing, and rinsing is one of the best ways to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease. Proper brushing and flossing methods may be taught at the dental office during routine check-ups.

How does mutans streptococci cause dental caries?

Mutans streptococci (MS) is the primary etiologic agent of dental caries. Through adhesion, MS attaches to the dental pellicle and breaks down sugars for energy to produce lactic acid, causing an acidic environment around the tooth.

How can you tell if you have caries in your teeth?

Traditionally, dental caries were detected by visible color and texture change, tactile sensation using a dental explorer, and radiographs. However, radiographs are not useful for detecting early enamel caries, and, using these methods, it is difficult to monitor the progress of dental caries and quantify its reversal.