[Sugar in the pathogenesis of dental caries]

While the complex and versatile nature of the cariogenic effect of refined sugars in the mouth cavity is recognized, it is nevertheless believed that it is mostly due to altered metabolism in dental hard tissues in the presence of changed pancreatic insular apparatus. Caries goes through several stages in its development: phosphate metabolism disorders in dental tissue; calcium metabolism disorder; abnormal glycemia; declining ascorbic acid level and activation of the insular apparatus followed by its exhaustion. It is demonstrated, both experimentally and clinically, that caries-inducing factors are particularly dangerous in childhood when carbohydrate metabolism is disturbed, especially if due to the exposure to refined sugars. The effect of sugars on dental pulp, with a resulting decrease of its trophic influence on the teeth is believed to be very important. Sugar effects on the teeth is not a purely stomatologic problem; rather, it is of interest to other medical professions as well and has a national significance.