Some Physicochemical Factors in Relation to the Causation of Interproximal Caries

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Abstract
Altering the separation between surfaces of Pyrex glass rods of uniform curvature from 0.07 mm. to 0.14 mm. produced the same increased rate of diffusion (X3) as a 9-fold increase of buffer capacity. Halving the depth (2.25 mm.) of the contact area between flattened surfaces separated by 0.14 mm. increased the rate of diffusion by nearly 5 times. Variation in buffer capacity above the avg. value for saliva did not produce any significant effects. The results demonstrate a physical basis for the much greater caries susceptibility of the distal surfaces of the first deciduous molar and permanent premolar teeth as compared with the mesial surfaces where the contact areas are considerably smaller. The findings are consistent with the theory that acid decalcification of the enamel surface is the initial lesion of interproximal caries.