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Dental Caries
Oral infectious disease in which organic acids from bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrate demineralize tooth enamel and dentin.
Also: Tooth Decay
Primary cariogenic bacterium is Streptococcus mutans. Risk factors: frequency and stickiness of fermentable carbohydrates, low salivary flow (xerostomia), inadequate fluoride exposure, and poor oral hygiene. Prevention involves fluoride (community water fluoridation, toothpaste), xylitol-containing products, sealants, dietary patterns minimizing between-meal sugars, and regular dental care. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a major pediatric concern.
How one textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 25
Primary cariogenic bacterium is Streptococcus mutans. Risk factors: frequency and stickiness of fermentable carbohydrates, low salivary flow (xerostomia), inadequate fluoride exposure, and poor oral hygiene. Prevention involves fluoride (community water fluoridation, toothpaste), xylitol-containing products, sealants, dietary patterns minimizing between-meal sugars, and regular dental care. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a major pediatric concern.
Related terms
Fermentable Carbohydrate, Fluoride, Xerostomia