The Dental Update Archive

The caries process is a ubiquitous, natural process occurring in the biofilm. This community of micro-organisms is always metabolically active, causing minute fluctuations in pH. Where oral hygiene is poor, sugar intake frequent and/or saliva flow diminished, the consequence may be a net loss of mineral and the formation of a visible caries lesion on the tooth surface. The lesion should be regarded as the sign or symptom of the process.