Question

Diets high in sugars and starches increase the risk of tooth decay because they __________ a. are acidic and destroy tooth enamel b. are acidic and destroy the gingiva c. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys tooth enamel d. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys the gingiva

Name: Problem 4, Chapter 23: Microbiology with Diseases by Body System
Uploaded: 2021-03-08T22:20:34-08:00
Duration: 2 min 21 s
Channel: Eric Goldman
Description: Diets high in sugars and starches increase the risk of tooth decay because they a. are acidic and destroy tooth enamel b. are acidic and destroy the gingiva c. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys tooth enamel d. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys the gingiva

   Diets high in sugars and starches increase the risk of tooth decay because they __________
a. are acidic and destroy tooth enamel
b. are acidic and destroy the gingiva
c. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys tooth enamel
d. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys the gingiva

Microbiology with Diseases by Body System

Robert W. Bauman 5th Edition

Chapter 23, Problem 4

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Solved by Expert Eric Goldman

03/08/2021

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Bacteria is the mouth. Show more…

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Diets high in sugars and starches increase the risk of tooth decay because they __________ a. are acidic and destroy tooth enamel b. are acidic and destroy the gingiva c. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys tooth enamel d. are converted to acids by bacteria; the acid then destroys the gingiva

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Key Concepts

Oral Bacterial Metabolism

This concept refers to the process by which bacteria in the mouth break down carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, producing acidic byproducts. This metabolic activity is central to understanding how diet influences oral health, particularly in the initiation of tooth decay.

Acid Production and pH Reduction

Acid production is a key outcome of bacterial metabolism of dietary sugars. The acids lower the pH level in the oral environment, creating conditions that allow demineralization of the tooth enamel, which is the first step in the development of dental caries.

Enamel Demineralization

Enamel demineralization occurs when acidic conditions in the mouth lead to the loss of essential minerals from the tooth surface. This weakening of the enamel structure is a critical phase in the progression of tooth decay and underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced diet for oral health.

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