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Root surface caries: a recurrent dilemma *
Author(s) -
Mount G. J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/j.1834-7819.1986.tb04580.x
Subject(s) - root caries , dentistry , bone decalcification , cementum , actinomyces , streptococcus mutans , medicine , chlorhexidine , glass ionomer cement , dentin , biology , bacteria , genetics
Root surface caries, as a separate entity, has been recognized for a long time. It appears to be related to an altered bacteriology where some actinomyces strains allow decalcification of the cementum and dentine at a higher pH than the Streptococcus mutans usually associated with active caries. The problem is generally associated with the ageing patient and the causes are outlined. Early recognition and preventive measures such as the application of topical fluoride or chlorhexidine as an oral lavage are stressed. Appropriate dental treatment is discussed including restoration using glass‐ionomer cements.