ASIAN BIOMEDICINE, cilt.4, sa.3, ss.475-478, 2010 (SCI-Expanded)
Background: The development of carious lesions is dependent on the presence of acid-producing microflora in the mouth. The activity of these plaque bacteria is dependent on sugar, which diffuses from the saliva following carbohydrate intake. The sugar serves as a substrate for fermentation, producing organic acids that demineralize tooth enamel. Elimination of the sugar from the mouth is accomplished by dilution with newly secreted saliva, a process generally referred to as sugar clearence.