Summary of reactions at the tooth surface

Following any food intake there will be an acid-induced demineralisation in areas of any tooth surface that is covered by mature plaque.

Mineral loss will be reversible i.e. remineralisation will occur if:

• if eating frequency is low
• local fluoride concentration is high
• salivary buffering is good

On the other hand if:

• if eating frequency is high,
• local fluoride concentration is low
• salivary buffering is poor, then demineralisation will outweigh remineralisation.

This is dental caries.