Micro & Immunology · single question
Besides Streptococcus mutans, which organism is MOST strongly implicated in ROOT surface caries?
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Correct answer: C. Lactobacillus species
- A. T. denticola is a red complex periodontal spirochaete.
- B. A. actinomycetemcomitans is associated with aggressive periodontitis.
- C. Correct. LACTOBACILLUS species — alongside Actinomyces — dominate ROOT surface and DEEP DENTINAL caries. The useful division: S. mutans is the INITIATOR of a lesion (it adheres to smooth surfaces via glucan and initiates demineralisation), while LACTOBACILLUS is the PROGRESSOR, thriving in the acidic, anaerobic environment of an established cavity. Actinomyces is also classically associated with root caries but was not among the listed options.
- D. P. gingivalis is a red complex PERIODONTAL pathogen, not a cariogenic organism.
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