Maintaining the integrity of the enamel surface The role of dental biofilm, saliva and preventive agents in enamel demineralization and remineralization

摘要

Dental caries affects most people in the United States; only 10 percent of late adolescents and young adults are caries-free. Caries continues throughout adulthood, with more than 95 percent of adults experiencing caries on enamel and root surfaces, and it leads to complete loss of teeth in 25 percent of people who then require dentures. Caries prevalence and severity have increased during the past decade in young children, particularly in the primary dentition. Caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease are transmittable infectious diseases that occur because of the accumulation of pathogenic dental plaque.