Final answer:
Dental caries cannot occur without bacteria in the mouth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dental caries (cavities) cannot occur without bacteria in the mouth. They play a crucial role in the development of tooth decay by feeding on sugars in the mouth and releasing acids that cause degradation of tooth enamel. Sugar consumption, plaque buildup, and fluoride treatment are factors that can influence the development and progression of dental caries, but they are not the sole cause.