ABSTRACT
Dental caries is a disease process characterized by the focal demineralization of dental tissue by organic acids (e.g. lactic acid) resulting from bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, especially simple sugars (see discussion in Larsen, 1997). Carious lesions resulting from this disease process are manifested as small pits or opacities located virtually anywhere on the tooth crown or superior root. However, in severe cases, cariogenesis can lead to complete destruction of the tooth crown and much of the root.
