Dental Caries

Dental Plaque and caries

Diverse Biofilms: Strepoccus mutans, Lactobacillus

Plaque (biofilm) forming, Acid producing bacteria (fermation of sugars to latic acid), Organic acid using bacteria

Humans, Enviroment

Mouth

Enviroment, contaminated food, person to person

Months for cavity formation

Strep. mutans and other bacteria establisha biofilm or plaque that supports growth of acid producing bacteria like Lactobacillus. Production of organic acids from metabolism of dietary sucrose dissolves enamel

Apperance of plaque (white/dark spots), temperature or pressure sensitivty, pain, bad breath, swellingleeding of gums

More pain, broken tooth, tooth loss, trouble eating, dental abcess, life-threatening infections

limit sucrose consumption, brush/ floss twice a day, fluoride treatment, professional cleaning, sealants

Tooth repair- remove decay then fill or cap; tooth extraction and replacement