Dental Caries is one of many types of caries. Dental caries affects different parts of the teeth: enamel, dentin or cementum in the crown or the root of the tooth. Dental caries is a demineralization of the tooth surface caused by bacteria.

In 1976 Loesch (Oral Sci Rev, 1976) postulated that dental caries is a specific and treatable bacterial infection due primarily to mutants streptococcus (ms) and in the later stages to lactobacillus. Other acidogenic organisms are also involved, but these two appear to be the main organisms. Since that time there has been extensive evidence in the literature using animal models that caries is a communicable, transmissible, infectious bacteria infection. Clinical investigation on humans has supported the concept that ms is the primary responsible source and that it is transmitted from other humans.

For an infectious disease to occur, it must have a source or reservoir (person, animal, soil). In dental caries the source may be the mother who transfers the infection to the infant. Potential microorganisms may be transferred directly (by people, insects) or indirectly (through water, air or soil). In dental caries the transfer agent is through saliva of the mother to the infant. Pathogens must survive the transfer and successfully establish within the host. In dental caries, this will take several attempts and only at specified time periods. Colonization (multiplication of the organism) may occur without evoking a tissue or immune response. In dental caries this occurs. Additionally, colonization and bacterial multiplication in dental caries is dependent upon sugar intake and other local factors. Infection indicates that colonization has occurred and the disease process has begun as indicated by damage to the tissue. In dental caries, there is demineralization of the tooth surface.

The host response will determine if there is a manifestation of the disease (demineralization). If the host response is adequate, the individual may have the infection without the clinical manifestations of the disease. He/she may thus be a carrier, harboring the infectious agent, which can be spread to others. In dental caries, the carrier would usually be the mother.

[wishbone]

Does those Dental Caries bacteria got something to do with the dogs and such specific cases?!