Cariology

Abstract

Caries is a disease resulting from bacterial and nutritional imbalances, which favor caries lesion development. The chapter describes the respective risk factors, the role of the microorganisms, and the protective effect of saliva on the lesion start and progression. The action of fluoride on the enamel demineralization and remineralization process is described, as well the various options to convert active caries lesions into inactive ones. The characteristics of the lesions on different tooth surface are presented, and the methods for caries diagnosis are introduced and judged. The ICDAS II system is described.