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Dental caries is an infectious disease of the mouth
that is manifested in teeth. Certain carbohydrates (e.g., glucose,
fructose, sucrose) mix with cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus
mutans) in the mouth to produce acids that cause mineral loss
from teeth (demineralization). This mineral loss results in caries
when the attack is prolonged and exceeds an individual’s
resistance and the ability of the teeth to heal (remineralization).
Resistance and healing ability are determined partly by an individual’s
physiology and partly by health behaviors.
Dental caries results from an overgrowth of specific
organisms that are a part of normally occurring human flora. Human
dental flora is site specific, and an infant or child is not colonized
until eruption of the primary teeth at approximately age 6 months.
The most likely source of inoculation of an infant’s dental
flora is the mother or another intimate caregiver (e.g., via shared
utensils, via a dropped pacifier that has been cleaned with the
mother’s saliva). The level of cariogenic organisms in the
mother’s dental flora at the time of colonization can significantly
impact the infant’s or child’s predisposition to caries.
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