Which statement best describes how medications that contain sugar or reduce salivary flow influence caries risk?

• A. They decrease caries risk by neutralizing acids
• B. They increase caries risk by providing fermentable sugars and reducing saliva
• C. They have no effect on caries risk
• D. They cure caries

Answer: (B)

Medications that contain sugar or that reduce salivary flow raise the risk of dental caries because they both increase the amount of fermentable substrate for bacteria and lessen the mouth’s natural defenses. Sugar-containing formulations leave residues in the mouth that bacteria can metabolize into acids, which lower plaque pH and cause enamel demineralization. At the same time, reduced saliva means slower clearance of sugars and acids, diminished buffering of acids, and less supply of minerals needed for remineralization. Together, these factors create a more favorable environment for caries development, so the best description is that they increase caries risk by providing fermentable sugars and reducing saliva.