A Paradigm Shift in the Understanding of Dental Caries: Re-evaluating the Role of Microbial Dynamics and Host Interactions

Abstract

Dental caries remains a leading global health issue, affecting billions worldwide despite extensive preventive strategies. This study conducted a cross-sectional analysis of oral biofilms from diverse patient demographics using advanced metagenomic sequencing techniques. Our findings reveal unexpected variations in microbial populations that correlate with carious lesions, highlighting the complex interplay between specific pathogens and host factors. Moreover, the study introduces a novel mathematical model to predict caries progression based on microbial community structure and patient-specific variables. These results challenge conventional paradigms by suggesting that microbial diversity rather than abundance plays a critical role in caries pathogenesis. This research underscores the need for a paradigm shift in caries management, focusing on personalized microbial ecology assessments.