Cavities are caused by a germ that spreads while kissing and sharing food. Which term completes the statement?

Cavities are caused by a germ that spreads while kissing and sharing food. Which term completes the statement?

• A. Cavities
• B. Gingivitis
• C. Plaque
• D. Tartar

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how dental caries form from bacteria that live in the mouth and can be transmitted between people through saliva. Cavities develop when certain bacteria in dental plaque metabolize sugars and produce acid that erodes tooth enamel. That acid attack is what creates the cavity over time. Plaque is the sticky biofilm that harbors those bacteria. Because the bacteria are carried in saliva, they can spread when people kiss or share utensils or saliva-contaminated items. Tartar is hardened plaque, which can irritate gums but isn’t the bacterial source that causes caries by itself. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup, not the direct cause of cavities. So, the term that best completes the idea—linking the spreading germ to the site where it causes caries—is plaque. It’s the medium that carries the bacteria and facilitates their transmission, leading to enamel demineralization and cavity formation.

The main idea here is how dental caries form from bacteria that live in the mouth and can be transmitted between people through saliva. Cavities develop when certain bacteria in dental plaque metabolize sugars and produce acid that erodes tooth enamel. That acid attack is what creates the cavity over time.

Plaque is the sticky biofilm that harbors those bacteria. Because the bacteria are carried in saliva, they can spread when people kiss or share utensils or saliva-contaminated items. Tartar is hardened plaque, which can irritate gums but isn’t the bacterial source that causes caries by itself. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup, not the direct cause of cavities.

So, the term that best completes the idea—linking the spreading germ to the site where it causes caries—is plaque. It’s the medium that carries the bacteria and facilitates their transmission, leading to enamel demineralization and cavity formation.