New Directions in the Etiology of Dental Caries Disease
New Directions in the Etiology of Dental Caries Disease
V. Kim Kutsch, DMD, and Douglas A. Young, DDS, EDD, MBA, MS
Abstract: This review explores the multifactorial etiology of dental caries disease. Current theories suggest that a singular focus on mutans streptococci and lactobacillus as the sole causative microbiological agents is no longer a viable strategy in treatment of this prevalent disease. Dental caries is an infectious transmissible disease process where a cariogenic biofilm in the presence of an oral status that is more pathological than protective leads to the demineralization of dental hard tissue.