278 p. H. KEYES AND II. V. JORDAN 



proved diagnostic tests might be developed. If specific organisms 

 occiipv a ke\' position in caries initiation, chemotherapeiitic agents 

 would have a greater potential in anticaries therapv. Contagiousness 

 and transmissibilit\' of the cariogenic agent (streptococci or other- 

 wise) are of more concern to laboratory workers, who need to 

 balance animals microbiologically in order to control their experi- 

 ments and who need to determine the bacterial conditions in the 

 mouth and intestinal tract in order to interpret their results. 



The next few vears should see the development of more effective 

 programs for caries control which would employ a combination of 

 therapeutic measures based on the considerable amount of informa- 

 tion available. It is doubtful, human nature being what it is, that 

 any single measure will be entirelv effective in preventing and ar- 

 resting this disease. Changes in diets and the avoidance of unfavora- 

 ble eating habits are to be stronglv advocated (Bibb\% 1962; Nizel, 

 1962; and others). The consumption of fluoridated water is of un- 

 questionable benefit, and the supplemental use of fluorides appears 

 to be indicated on theoretical grounds. Further work on other modes 

 of fluoride application is certainlv needed. Antibacterial drugs have 

 occasionally been used in anticaries therapy for almost four decades 

 (Bunting et ah, 1927; Stralfors, 1962); but few, if any, have been 

 thoroughly tested in a comprehensive program of treatment. In the 

 treatment of this infection, with its highly invasive characteristics, it 

 will be necessary to emplov the proper tvpe of drug and to devise 

 methods of application which not only will ensure its presence in 

 susceptible areas but also will keep it in sufficient concentration and 

 for adequate periods of time. 



Summary 



Dental caries activity is determined by interactions in a factorial 

 triad comprising the host, the diet, and the microflora. As yet only 

 specific strains of streptococci have induced typical coronal caries in 

 noninfected hamsters and in more rigidly controlled germ-free 

 ( gnotobiotic ) rats. In hamsters kept under conventional laboratory 

 conditions, lactobacilli and various other acidogenic organisms, in- 

 cluding other strains of streptococci, have not induced highlv active 



