Overview
Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide, driven by acid-producing biofilm bacteria — primarily Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species — that demineralize tooth enamel. In the WikiBiome framework, dental caries connects to the oral-systemic axis: cariogenic bacteria and their metabolic products enter the systemic circulation, and conditions like GERD alter oral pH to promote caries [1].
Metal Connection
- Zinc: Zinc-containing oral hygiene agents inhibit S. mutans biofilm formation and acid production — a metal-dependent antimicrobial strategy [2].
- Fluoride: Fluorapatite formation protects enamel; fluoride also inhibits bacterial enolase (a metalloenzyme).
Oral-Gut Interactions
- Oral and gut microbiota show correlated dysbiosis patterns in cerebral palsy and epilepsy [3].
- Cariogenic Lactobacillus species may also affect thyroid health via oral-gut translocation [4].
Cross-References
- periodontitis — related oral disease (different pathobionts)
- biofilm — cariogenic biofilm (dental plaque)
- zinc — zinc-based anticariogenic agents
- porphyromonas gingivalis — periodontal pathogen (distinct from cariogenic bacteria)