Defining, classifying, and placing incipient caries lesions in perspective.

A caries lesion begins with the introduction of a disease state, likely due to bacterial strains, in the oral cavity. If accompanied or followed by alterations to salivary flow, frequent periods of reduced salivary pH, or frequent intake of refined carbohydrates, the demineralization of tooth structure is likely to begin. The subsequent lesions first will be visible as white spot lesions, which if ignored, eventually will cavitate. Modern dentistry is capable of testing for the presence of caries lesions before cavitation, and it is suggested that routine testing should be mandatory for all patients who are at risk. If the disease is to be identified and treated before cavitation, it is desirable to adopt a new classification for the recognition and recording of caries lesions.