What term describes the decay process where bacteria metabolize dietary carbohydrates into acids that destroy tooth structure?

What term describes the decay process where bacteria metabolize dietary carbohydrates into acids that destroy tooth structure?

• A. Caries
• B. Gingivitis
• C. Erosion
• D. Abrasion

Answer: (A)

Dental caries is the process where plaque bacteria metabolize fermentable carbohydrates from the diet into acids. Those acids lower the local pH and demineralize the tooth’s mineral content, especially enamel and dentin, leading to the characteristic decay. This distinguishes caries from gingivitis (gum inflammation from plaque), erosion (chemical loss of tooth structure from non-bacterial acids), and abrasion (mechanical wear from friction). So the correct term for this bacteria-driven decay is caries.

Dental caries is the process where plaque bacteria metabolize fermentable carbohydrates from the diet into acids. Those acids lower the local pH and demineralize the tooth’s mineral content, especially enamel and dentin, leading to the characteristic decay. This distinguishes caries from gingivitis (gum inflammation from plaque), erosion (chemical loss of tooth structure from non-bacterial acids), and abrasion (mechanical wear from friction). So the correct term for this bacteria-driven decay is caries.