The role of microbes and sugar in dental caries
Horst Keeper & Bernstein, 2024
- This figure shows additional elements in the pathway to demineralization and caries, while continuing to highlight the role of sugar, diet, and the oral microbiome.
- SDF acts in 2 key places in this pathway highlighted in yellow text, with silver working to reverse dysbiosis of the dental biofilm and fluoride working to remineralize tooth enamel.
- Patient and caregiver behavior is highlighted in blue text, emphasizing that diet, nutrition, and oral hygiene impact the pathway.
- This pathway is dynamic as the biofilm, pH, and mineralization/demineralization shift back and forth with clinical treatment and behavior changes.