THE ROLE OF ORAL MICROFLORA AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENTAL CARIES IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting the oral cavity worldwide. The condition develops as a result of complex interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, dietary factors, saliva composition, and host immune response. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of oral microflora and oxidative stress in the development of dental caries among young adults. The study included 48 patients with clinically confirmed dental caries who underwent dental, microbiological, and biochemical examination. Increased colonization by cariogenic bacteria and elevated oxidative stress markers were significantly associated with caries severity and enamel destruction. Statistical analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation between Streptococcus mutans colonization and caries index values (r = 0.76; p <0.001). The findings confirm the important role of microbial imbalance and oxidative stress in dental caries progression.