Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The progression of dental caries in dentine is significantly linked to the presence of simple carbohydrates in the diet. When simple carbohydrates are consumed, they can be rapidly fermented by bacteria in the dental plaque. These bacteria metabolize the sugars and produce acids as a byproduct of their metabolism. The acids lower the pH in the mouth, leading to demineralization of both enamel and dentine, thus facilitating the progression of caries.

This process highlights the critical role that dietary composition plays in the development of dental caries. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugars found in candies, soft drinks, and other sweetened foods, can create an acidogenic environment that promotes caries development. In contrast, while other dietary components like polysaccharides can also play a role in caries progression, it is the simple carbohydrates that are primarily responsible for initiating the acid production which leads to demineralization. Therefore, understanding the specific dietary factors that contribute to dental health is vital for prevention strategies in dentistry.