1. By Mary Kay and Emily Cooper
Dental Caries
By Mary Kay and Emily Cooper

2. What is Dental Caries Another word for tooth decay
Formed from the accumulation of
dental plaque

3. What Causes Dental Caries?
Bacteria in the mouth
Most importantly- Streptococcus mutans
Break it down

4. How It Is Formed? Similar to a biofilm- build up of bacteria
Bacteria creates lactic acid from sucrose and carbohydrates
S. mutans attaches to the tooth (proteins coated on tooth)
Lactic acid breaks down enamel for plaque

6. Where? The mouth and teeth
Especially crevices and places where there is a less chance of being destroyed

7. Protection? Saliva contains lysozyme Protects exposed surfaces
Crevicular fluid- a tissue that flushes out gingival crevice
Contains phagocytic cells and immunoglobulin

8. Prevention Lower sugar intake Brush and floss your teeth
Professional cleaning
Fluoride
Chlorhexidine (most effective mouth wash)

9. Process Pictures

10. Process Acid and plaque gradually soften the enamel Decay starts
Advanced decay
Dentin decays
Decay in pulp

11. Bibliography
Microbiology: an introduction