Dental caries

**Definition:** A condition characterised by localised destruction of calcified tissue, initiated on the tooth surface by decalcification of the enamel, followed by the enzymatic lysis of organic structures, resulting in cavity formation.

**Long definition:** The dental caries process begins with the loss of calcium ions from the surface apatite crystals that form the bulk of the three calcified dental tissues. Under normal circumstances, this loss of calcium (demineralization) is compensated by the uptake of calcium (remineralization) from the tooth’s microenvironment. This dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization takes place more or less continually and equally in a favourable oral environment. In an unfavourable environment, the remineralization rate does not sufficiently neutralize the rate of demineralization and caries occurs.

**Inclusions:** - Dental decay