Caries Process, Prevention and Management: Demineralization and Remineralization
About This Event
This course is part 5 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process, Prevention, and Management. In this course, the dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization is discussed, paying particular attention to tooth hard tissue structure, the role of acid production by cariogenic bacteria, and the critical pH at which tooth enamel begins to dissolve, typically around pH 5.5. The role of acid-neutralizing bacteria, saliva’s buffering capacity, and fluoride in tooth hard tissue remineralization will also be explained. This series was first developed in conjunction with the American Dental Education Association in 2008 and has now been comprehensively revised by authors from the board of directors of the American Academy of Cariology (AAC) to reflect current knowledge and best practices in caries management.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the differences in how tooth enamel and dentin structure are affected by demineralization
- Describe the role of bacterial acid production in the demineralization process
- Understand the concept of critical pH and its relationship to the onset of demineralization
- Identify the five zones of carious dentin in an advanced lesion
- Discuss how demineralization impacts different populations, including young children, the elderly, and other special populations
- Be familiar with the factors that promote remineralization and their role in caries prevention.