Which statement describes the microbial aspect of caries?

• A. Caries is noninfectious.
• B. Caries is caused by cariogenic, aciduric bacteria.
• C. Caries is solely due to sugar consumption.
• D. Caries is caused by non-cariogenic bacteria.

Answer: (B)

The microbial aspect of caries hinges on plaque bacteria that produce acid when they metabolize fermentable sugars. These bacteria are cariogenic because they generate acid, and they are aciduric, meaning they can survive and continue to thrive in acidic environments. That combination drives the demineralization of enamel and progression of lesions. So, describing caries as caused by cariogenic, aciduric bacteria captures both the acid production and the ability to persist in acidic conditions, which is central to how the disease develops. Sugar intake fuels this process by providing the substrate for acid production, but the presence of these specific bacteria is essential. Noninfectious claims are inaccurate, and attributing caries solely to sugar ignores the microbial driver; bacteria that are non-cariogenic do not cause caries.