Final answer:
Dental caries and malocclusion in school-age children can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, and oral hygiene. These aspects contribute to the development of tooth decay and the improper alignment of teeth, evidencing that all the above factors play a role.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dental caries and malocclusion in school-age children can be influenced by a variety of factors. These include:
- Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to have weaker enamel or a particular structure of the jaw and teeth that can lead to malocclusion.
- Diet: Frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods can lead to tooth decay and dental caries due to the production of acids by bacteria that break down sugar in the mouth.
- Oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow for the overgrowth of oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces species, leading to tartar, gingivitis, and caries.
Therefore, it is clear that dental caries and malocclusion in school-age children can be influenced by genetics, diet, and oral hygiene, which is to say, by all of the above factors.