The factor that most affects caries risk is:

The factor that most affects caries risk is:

• A. Frequency of brushing
• B. Cariogenic foods eaten between meals
• C. Total sugar intake per day
• D. Fluoride exposure

Answer: (B)

Repeated acid attacks on tooth enamel from fermentable carbohydrates drive caries risk. When cariogenic foods are eaten between meals, acids are produced more often and for longer periods, and saliva has less opportunity to neutralize them and initiate remineralization. This frequent, unbuffered acid exposure creates a more favorable environment for demineralization than the same amount of sugar consumed with meals, making between-meal cariogenic foods the strongest predictor of caries risk. Fluoride exposure and good brushing help reduce risk by promoting remineralization and limiting plaque, but they don’t offset the impact of persistent acid challenges from between-meal snacks. Total daily sugar matters, but timing—especially frequent between-meal exposure—has the larger effect on caries development.

Repeated acid attacks on tooth enamel from fermentable carbohydrates drive caries risk. When cariogenic foods are eaten between meals, acids are produced more often and for longer periods, and saliva has less opportunity to neutralize them and initiate remineralization. This frequent, unbuffered acid exposure creates a more favorable environment for demineralization than the same amount of sugar consumed with meals, making between-meal cariogenic foods the strongest predictor of caries risk. Fluoride exposure and good brushing help reduce risk by promoting remineralization and limiting plaque, but they don’t offset the impact of persistent acid challenges from between-meal snacks. Total daily sugar matters, but timing—especially frequent between-meal exposure—has the larger effect on caries development.