Which patient age group is most susceptible to dental caries?

Young children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to dental caries due to several factors. Firstly, their developing teeth are often less mineralized, making them more prone to decay. Additionally, young children frequently consume diets high in sugars and carbohydrates, which feed the bacteria responsible for caries formation. This age group is also in a stage of habit formation regarding oral hygiene; if they do not develop effective brushing and flossing habits early on, the risk of cavities increases.

Moreover, adolescents might experience changes in their diet, more independence in food choices, and reduced supervision concerning oral hygiene practices. All these factors contribute to their heightened vulnerability to dental caries compared to other age groups, including the elderly or adults over 50, who may face other oral health issues but not necessarily a higher rate of caries in comparison to the younger population.