The most pronounced effect on the oral microflora of a reduction in rate of salivary flow is a_____________?

Correct answer: B. Shift towards more acidogenic microflora

  • A. Significant increase in number of oral bacteria
  • B. Shift towards more acidogenic microflora
  • C. Significant decrease in number of oral bacteria
  • D. Shift towards more aerobic microflora

Explanation

Reduced salivary flow decreases sugar clearance and buffering, allowing acid-tolerant and acid-producing organisms to become more prominent. The major microbial change is therefore a shift toward a more acidogenic flora rather than simply an increase in total bacteria.

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