🦷 Dental Caries Risk Assessment Tool Simulator

Brushing and Flossing Habits Set the Baseline

Regular mechanical plaque removal is the first line of defense.

• 2x/day: Recommended brushing (fluoride toothpaste)
• Interproximal: Flossing benefit (reaches between teeth)
• ~24-72h: Plaque maturation (undisturbed biofilm)
• Remineralizes: Fluoride effect (strengthens enamel)

Why hygiene frequency matters

Placeholder: brushing disrupts biofilm before acid damage accumulates.

Sugar Frequency Outweighs Total Sugar Amount

Each sugary exposure triggers a fresh acid attack cycle.

• ~20-30 min: Acid attack window (per exposure)
• Frequency: Key factor (not just quantity)
• Sipping/snacking: High-risk pattern (constant exposure)
• Meal-timed sugar: Safer pattern (fewer acid cycles)

Exposure frequency drives risk

Placeholder: more daily sugar exposures mean more cumulative acid time.

Streptococcus mutans Ferments Sugar into Acid

Plaque bacteria metabolize sugars, producing organic acid.

• S. mutans: Key species (primary cariogenic bacterium)
• Lactic acid: Byproduct (lowers plaque pH)
• ~5.5: Critical pH (enamel dissolves below this)
• Acid shield: Biofilm role (traps acid at surface)

Fermentation mechanism

Placeholder: bacterial glycolysis converts sugar substrate into enamel-dissolving acid.

Cumulative Acid Exposure Erodes Enamel

Repeated pH drops slowly dissolve mineral from enamel.

• White spot: Early sign (subsurface demineralization)
• Yes: Reversible stage (with fluoride and reduced sugar)
• Irreversible: Cavitation (once surface collapses)
• De- vs re-mineralization: Balance (determines outcome)

Progression to cavitation

Placeholder: sustained acid exposure outpaces saliva-driven remineralization.

Combining Hygiene and Diet into a Risk Tier

Low, medium, or high risk guides recall scheduling.

• 12 months: Low risk recall (good hygiene, low sugar)
• 6 months: Medium risk recall (mixed habits)
• 3 months: High risk recall (poor hygiene, high sugar)
• 2 factors: Model inputs (hygiene + diet sliders)

How risk class is derived

Placeholder: risk score blends protection level against acid exposure level.

Placeholder: use this simplified score as an educational guide, not diagnosis.