Dental Caries: Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Caries Activity Tests

Oral disease is one of the most significant global health concerns. Oral diseases have a monetary impact on people in developing countries. Disease can occur at any age and across a variety of demographic and socioeconomic conditions. Dental caries is a chronic microbial disease caused by a variety of factors, including the production of acid by bacteria via carbohydrate fermentation, which causes demineralization of tooth enamel, eventually leading to the loss of tooth structures and pulp infection. Caries is caused by an imbalance between tooth minerals and dental biofilms, which can develop over time in many people. Symptoms of dental caries begin with tooth pain and cavities and can lead to tooth loss. To prevent disease and maintain good oral health conditions, caries risk assessment is critical for controlling the progress of dental caries. Risk assessment is done by performing caries activity tests. Knowing the etiological factors associated with dental caries is important for clinicians and patients to prevent the disease from developing or halt its development and complications.

Keywords: Bacteria, Biofilms, Dental Caries, Oral Disease, Streptococcus Mutans.