The chemistry of caries: remineralization and demineralization events with direct clinical relevance.
Dental caries is a site-specific disease that undergoes many cycles of demineralization and remineralization during lesion development. Because of its developmental characteristics dynamics, the caries lesion can be arrested and even repaired at its early stages without operative intervention by increasing the net mineral gain during the demineralization and remineralization cycles. This result can be accomplished by reducing the effect of etiological factors such as cariogenic biofilms and diet, and increasing the efficacy of remineralizing agents such as saliva and fluoride.
González-Cabezas
Carlos
C
Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA. carlosgc@umich.edu
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D003804:Dentin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D014070:Tooth / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014089:Tooth Remineralization