【正文】
ith a long process. For example, proximal caries take an average of four years to pass through enamel in permanent teeth. So only with the existence of time factor could the other three factors play their roles in cariogenecity.2. The relationships of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus and Actinomyces with dental caries. Streptococcus mutans is the leading cause of dental caries and is considered to be the most cariogenic of all of the oral streptococci. Streptococcus mutans sticks to the surface of teeth. While metabolising sugar and other energy sources, the microbe produces acid that causes cavities in teeth. Lactobacillus bacteria are more involved in dentinal caries, and play a role in carious process rather than in the initial stage of dental caries. So the increase of Lactobacillus in dental caries lesion is a result of the carious developing, not the reason of caries happening. Actinomyces bacteria are the most frequently isolated microorganisms from the root surface caries. So those bacteria are more associated with root surface caries4