What question did this study set out to answer?

To review the pathological mechanisms of dental caries as a dynamic continuum of mineral loss and repair, emphasizing points of non-invasive intervention.

August 18, 2008Australian Dental Journal

Dental caries: a dynamic disease process

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Authors

JFJ.D.B. FeatherstoneUniversity of California, San Francisco

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Implication

Mechanistic review demonstrates dynamic mineral exchange in tooth enamel, highlighting opportunities to arrest non-cavitated lesions before irreversible decay.

Key Points

To review the pathological mechanisms of dental caries as a dynamic continuum of mineral loss and repair, emphasizing points of non-invasive intervention.
Narrative synthesis of bacterial acid production and metabolic pathways involving fermentable carbohydrates.
Biochemical description of crystal-level demineralization and fluoride-assisted remineralization dynamics in subsurface tooth lesions.
Bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates generates organic acids that diffuse into enamel and dentine, driving mineral dissolution from atomic crystal surfaces toward cavitation.
Caries exists as an ongoing, reversible continuum governed by cycles of demineralization and natural remineralization.
Remineralization utilizes calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to reconstitute crystal remnants in non-cavitated lesions, creating a surface substantially less soluble and more acid-resistant than native mineral.

Cite This Study

J.D.B. Featherstone (2008) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69db231a1e19c8ae088368d8 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2008.00064.x

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Implication

Mechanistic review demonstrates dynamic mineral exchange in tooth enamel, highlighting opportunities to arrest non-cavitated lesions before irreversible decay.

Dental caries: a dynamic disease process

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Dental caries: a dynamic disease process

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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