When the host feeds, carbohydrates are present at what level?

When the host feeds, carbohydrates are present at what level?

• A. Millimolar
• B. Micromolar
• C. Molar
• D. Picomolar

Answer: (A)

When foods are consumed, sugars from the meal become available in the mouth at relatively high concentrations, in the millimolar range. This abundance provides ample substrate for oral bacteria to metabolize quickly through glycolysis, producing acids that can lower pH and promote dental caries. Micromolar or picomolar levels would be too low to drive rapid microbial acid production, while molar levels are not physiologically expected in the oral environment. So the most accurate description of carbohydrate levels present during feeding is millimolar.

When foods are consumed, sugars from the meal become available in the mouth at relatively high concentrations, in the millimolar range. This abundance provides ample substrate for oral bacteria to metabolize quickly through glycolysis, producing acids that can lower pH and promote dental caries. Micromolar or picomolar levels would be too low to drive rapid microbial acid production, while molar levels are not physiologically expected in the oral environment. So the most accurate description of carbohydrate levels present during feeding is millimolar.