Dental caries is a polymicrobial disease caused by various consortia. Tooth decay is a tissuedependent process of varying etiology. Diet, dental caries, sugar, carbohydrates, dietetic guidelines. Dental caries is a highly prevalent disease worldwide. Polymicrobial diseases, including dental caries, are not infectious. Individuals with low socioeconomic status experience higher. Caries, cavity or decay of a tooth, a localized disease that begins at the surface of the tooth and may progress through the dentine into the pulp cavity. Caries classification dimensions of dental hygiene. By age 19, 67% of children will have experienced tooth decay. It is defined as a transmissible disease, where infection by streptococcus mutans sm plays a fundamental role. In the uk, dental caries was the fourth most common reason children were admitted to. Dental caries remains a significant public health problem in the united states.