There are several environmental variables that can influence the caries development process.
Saliva provides a washing mechanism that helps return oral pH to premeal levels, inhibiting bacterial growth. Saliva also contains digestive enzymes and a number of specific antimicrobial compounds. These include secretory immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and lactoferrin. Saliva thus helps to prevent colonization with cariogenic bacteria.
Frequent snacking keeps the pH low and interferes with this normalization process. The low pH favors further growth of Streptococcus mutans, reinforcing the infectious process. Bacteria and carbohydrates reside in the plaque, making it an ideal environment to promote the caries process.
