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Ecological Hypothesis of Dentin and Root Caries.
Nobuhiro Takahashi1, Bente Nyvad
1Division of Oral Ecology and Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan.
Caries Research
|July 27, 2016
Summary
Dental caries involves bacterial acid production leading to demineralization. This review adds organic matrix degradation, proposing a new proteolytic stage for dentin and root caries development.
Area of Science:
- Oral Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dental caries is primarily understood as a process of demineralization driven by bacterial acid production.
- Existing hypotheses explain enamel caries but do not fully account for the organic component in dentin and root caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine the caries hypothesis by incorporating the degradation of the organic matrix in dentin and root caries.
- To review histological, biochemical, and microbiological evidence related to dentin and root caries.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of histological, biochemical, and microbiological data on dentin/root caries.
- Refinement of the existing caries hypothesis to include a proteolytic stage.
Main Results:
- Bacterial acidification demineralizes dental tissues, exposing the organic matrix.
- Host-derived proteases (metalloproteinases, cathepsins) and potentially bacteria degrade the exposed organic matrix.
- Bacterial metabolites may contribute to pulpitis, and new prevention strategies are needed.
Conclusions:
- Dentin and root caries involve a proteolytic stage, adding to the demineralization and acidogenic stages.
- The degradation of the organic matrix is a critical factor in root and dentin caries.
- Novel preventive and therapeutic approaches for root and dentin caries are essential.
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