title: New directions in the etiology of dental caries disease.
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.
authors: Department of Dental Practice, Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, USA.
authors: V Kim
authors: VK
authors: Kutsch
authors: Douglas A
authors: DA
authors: Young
mesh_terms: D058491:Bacterial Load; D018441:Biofilms; D060085:Coinfection / Q000382:microbiology; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000502:physiology; D054892:Metagenome / Q000502:physiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000502:physiology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000502:physiology