cariogenic

adjective

car·​i·​o·​gen·​ic ˌker-ē-ə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce cariogenic (audio)
-ˈjē-
: producing or promoting the development of tooth decay
cariogenic foods

Examples of cariogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dental caries, a common chronic infectious resulting from tooth-adherent cariogenic bacteria, is the most prevalent chronic disease that disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic status communities. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

caries + -o- + -genic

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cariogenic was in 1930

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cariogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cariogenic. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

cariogenic

adjective
car·​io·​gen·​ic ˌkar-ē-ō-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce cariogenic (audio)
: producing or promoting the development of tooth decay
cariogenic foods
cariogenic bacteria
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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