2.2 Dental Caries Formation

Figure 1 illustrates the basic factors needed for dental caries formation. The circles represent the elements bacteria, diet, and teeth, all of which must be present for dental caries to form. A number of factors including oral flora, feeding and eating practices, and tooth anatomy (e.g., enamel defects, deep pits and fissures) influence the caries process.

Figure 1: Dental Caries Formation

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