What are the sugars most responsible for dental caries called?

Non-milk extrinsic sugars are primarily responsible for dental caries. These sugars are derived from food sources that are added to products and are not naturally occurring in the food itself. They include a variety of sugars found in processed foods and beverages, such as sucrose and fructose. When these sugars are consumed, they can contribute to plaque formation and the subsequent development of cavities. The bacteria in dental plaque ferment these sugars, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to caries.

Milk extrinsic sugars refer to sugars that are found in dairy products, which are typically less harmful to dental health compared to non-milk extrinsic sugars. The terms simple sugars and complex carbohydrates describe the structure of the sugars and do not specifically pinpoint those that are most detrimental to oral health. Simple sugars can contribute to caries, but it is the non-milk extrinsic sugars that have been more closely linked to the increase in cavity prevalence due to their frequent presence in many processed foods and their potential for higher consumption rates.