1998 Volume 61 Issue 2 Pages 129-134
It is now generally recognized that dental caries is an infectious disease that causes localized destruction of teeth and is induced mainly by acids produced in dental plaque. Understanding the de- and re-mineralization that occurs as an interaction between plaque and the enamel is important for understanding the caries process and caries prevention. It depends on the plaque pH and is based on chemical reactions. This report describes the de- and re-mineralization of the enamel structure that occurs during the caries process. Atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations performed after acid challenge demonstrated the structural pathways, such as enlarged crystal interspaces and prism junctions at the surface layer of the subsurface enamel lesion. Remineralized crystals around the enlarged crystal spaces were detected by the AFM technique at the surface layer after the acid challenge. SEM observation of the subsurface layer of the lesion showed destruction of the enamel crystals, remineralized crystals, diffused mineral destruction in the prism core, and destruction of interprismatic substances. Understanding these structural changes during the caries process will aid in the scientific prevention of dental caries.
