Poor oral care has been linked to infections that can result from which of the following?

• A. Enhanced oxygen transport by red blood cells
• B. Increased production of insulin by pancreatic cells
• C. Overgrowth of Streptococcus mutans leading to dental caries
• D. Decreased susceptibility to viral infections

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of oral microbiota in health and disease. The mouth hosts a complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which can influence oral health.
2. Step 2: Recognize that poor oral care can disrupt the balance of these microorganisms, allowing harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans to overgrow.
3. Step 3: Know that Streptococcus mutans is a primary contributor to dental caries (tooth decay) because it metabolizes sugars to produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the options given: enhanced oxygen transport by red blood cells and increased insulin production are unrelated to oral infections, and decreased susceptibility to viral infections is not a consequence of poor oral care.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct link is the overgrowth of Streptococcus mutans leading to dental caries, which is a direct result of poor oral hygiene.