Dental Caries
,Definition of Dental Caries
• Scientific Definition: A biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial,
dynamic disease that results in the phasic demineralization and
remineralization of dental hard tissues.
• Clinical Definition: An infectious microbiologic disease of the
calcified tissues of the teeth, characterized by the demineralization of
the inorganic portion and destruction of the organic substance.
,Types/Classification
A. By Anatomical Site:
• Pit and Fissure Caries (occlusal surfaces).
• Smooth Surface Caries (proximal and cervical areas).
• Root Caries (exposed cementum/dentin).
B. By Progression Rate: Acute (rapid), Chronic (slow), and Arrested (stationary).
C. By Severity (Depth): Incipient (enamel only), Moderate (reaching dentin), and
Advanced/Severe (near or involving the pulp).
, Causes/Etiology
Four essential factors must interact simultaneously:
1. Host: Susceptible tooth surface and stagnation areas.
2. Bacteria: Cariogenic species like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.
3. Substrate: Dietary fermentable carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose).
4. Time: Sufficient duration for acid production to cause mineral loss.
,Definition of Dental Caries
• Scientific Definition: A biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial,
dynamic disease that results in the phasic demineralization and
remineralization of dental hard tissues.
• Clinical Definition: An infectious microbiologic disease of the
calcified tissues of the teeth, characterized by the demineralization of
the inorganic portion and destruction of the organic substance.
,Types/Classification
A. By Anatomical Site:
• Pit and Fissure Caries (occlusal surfaces).
• Smooth Surface Caries (proximal and cervical areas).
• Root Caries (exposed cementum/dentin).
B. By Progression Rate: Acute (rapid), Chronic (slow), and Arrested (stationary).
C. By Severity (Depth): Incipient (enamel only), Moderate (reaching dentin), and
Advanced/Severe (near or involving the pulp).
, Causes/Etiology
Four essential factors must interact simultaneously:
1. Host: Susceptible tooth surface and stagnation areas.
2. Bacteria: Cariogenic species like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.
3. Substrate: Dietary fermentable carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose).
4. Time: Sufficient duration for acid production to cause mineral loss.
