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Risk factors in dental caries
1Department of Health, Wellington, New Zealand.
International Dental Journal
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Dietary sugar intake and oral microflora, particularly mutans streptococci, are key factors in dental caries development. Other local and general risk factors, including oral hygiene and socio-cultural environment, also influence caries prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Dental caries etiology has been studied for nearly a century.
- Key factors include diet, microflora, and tooth susceptibility.
- Numerous local and general risk factors have since been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established and emerging risk factors for dental caries.
- To emphasize the significant role of diet and specific oral microflora in caries development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and contemporary research on dental caries.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and microbiological studies.
- Synthesis of findings on dietary, microbial, local, and general risk factors.
Main Results:
- Dietary sugar consumption, both total amount and frequency, is a dominant factor in dental caries.
- Mutans streptococci are strongly implicated as a key etiological agent.
- Local factors (tooth morphology, salivary flow, hygiene) and general factors (age, sex, race, socio-cultural environment) significantly influence caries prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Dietary habits and specific microbial profiles are critical determinants of dental caries.
- A comprehensive understanding of multifactorial risks is essential for effective caries prevention strategies.
- Socio-cultural context plays an integral role in the development and prevalence of dental caries.