1. Normal Dental Development and Oral Pathology Rebecca L. Slayton, DDS, PhD Department of Pediatric Dentistry Amanda Keerbs, MD Department of Family Medicine
16. Caries Caries Caries are an infectious, communicable disease resulting in the destruction of tooth structure by the acid produced by the metabolism of sugar by bacteria found in dental plaque Plaque is a dense bacterial aggregate containing about 10% bacteria per milligram that accumulates on tooth surfaces.
18. Dental Caries Stages The acid created by the caries bacteria’s metabolism of sugar leads to demineralization. Demineralization is the loss of calcium, phosphate and carbonate from the enamel
19. Dental Caries Stages If demineralization is allowed to continue, the tooth will eventually be eroded enough for a cavity to form. Incipient Lesion (caries not more than halfway into enamel) Lesion has reached the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) Lesion is progressing laterally and towards the pulp Lesion extended into the pulp