1. tending to cause tooth decay or cavities
Usage: technical/medical term; commonly used in dentistry and nutrition contexts

Examples

• Sugary drinks are highly cariogenic and should be limited in children's diets.
• The dentist warned that frequent snacking on cariogenic foods increases cavity risk.
• Fluoride toothpaste helps protect teeth against cariogenic bacteria.
• Sticky, cariogenic candies are more damaging to tooth enamel than other sweets.
• A cariogenic diet lacking proper oral hygiene leads to significant dental problems.
• The study examined which foods are most cariogenic for young patients.