The Role of Diet, Salivary pH and Plaque in Dental Caries Development

Abstract

   Dental caries is one of the most common health problems in the world. It is caused by a number of things, such as what you eat, the bacteria in your mouth, and the acidity (pH) levels around your teeth. When you eat sweet meals, some bacteria, such Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, can break down the sugars and create acids. These acids steadily eat away at the enamel that protects our teeth. Not getting enough vital minerals, including calcium, Phosphorus, vitamins C and D, and other things can make our teeth and gums weaker, which makes them more susceptible to get harmed. The relationship between salivary characteristics, such as salivary pH, and plaque biofilms will affect how we treat dental caries as a whole. For dental caries, this involves the consistent disruption of the oral plaque biofilm by mechanical oral hygiene, along with dietary modifications to reduce exposure to fermentable carbohydrates. Eating and drinking too many sweet things can make your mouth more acidic, which can hurt your gums and enamel. At the same time, not getting enough vitamins C and D might make it harder for the body to heal and fight illnesses. Saliva and bacteria in the mouth are the two main things that cause dental caries. It has been shown that there is a link between pH levels and the number of cavities, as well as the effects of local and systemic factors and how changes in pH levels affect tooth structure. An acidic mouth environment causes demineralization and remineralization to happen at different rates, and it also causes more acid-loving bacteria to grow. This article explains how diet, saliva pH, and plaque all work together to affect oral health. It stresses the importance of good nutrition and everyday care for keeping teeth healthy.