Dental Caries Images (Figure 24.8). Reprinted from OpenStax Microbiology (p. 987), by N. Parker, M. Shneegurt, A.-h. Thi Tu, B. M. Forester, and P. Lister, 2016, Rice University. Copyright 2016 by Rice University.

Dental Caries Images

Signs of dental caries include dark and or deep deposits of tooth decay (sometimes only seen via X-ray) and dental calculus, or tartar, on the bases of teeth. Depending on the extent of decay, these caries can be asymptomatic or painful (deep abscesses).

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Plaque bacteria breaks down sucrose from food, producing glucose and fructose. Glucose contributes to the plaque biofilm development while fructose ferments and produces lactic acid that dissolves enamel and dentin. These cariogenic bacteria species include Streptococcus and Actinomyces.

Dental Caries Promoted by Cariogenic Bacteria

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Dental Caries: Signs and Symptoms

If left untreated, the tooth decay may go past the dentin and reach the pulp of the tooth (leading to painful abscesses) and even spread to the bloodstream. The latter can mean the spread of bacterial infection, leading to sepsis.

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