Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XV · Caries and Preventive Agents · 01

The caries process

Caries develops when acid from plaque bacteria pulls mineral out of the tooth faster than saliva can put it back; enamel starts to dissolve below about pH 5.5. The first visible sign is a noncavitated white spot lesion that can still remineralize. S. mutans is tied to starting lesions, lactobacilli to spread into dentin and Actinomyces to root caries.

High-yield facts · 8

  1. Caries is a diet-driven biofilm disease: acid demineralizes the tooth when pH falls below about 5.5 (enamel).S37
  2. Demineralization and remineralization happen many times a day; caries progresses when the balance tips toward loss.S37
  3. The earliest visible enamel lesion is the white spot lesion (noncavitated), which can remineralize.S37
  4. Streptococcus mutans is linked to caries initiation; Lactobacilli to progression into dentin; Actinomyces to root caries.S37
  5. Pit-and-fissure surfaces account for most caries in children and adolescents.S36
  6. Early childhood caries is any decayed, missing (from caries) or filled surface in a primary tooth of a child under 6.S37
  7. Severe early childhood caries often starts on maxillary incisors; mandibular incisors are usually spared by the tongue and saliva.S37
  8. Caries is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the US.S58

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.