Root caries can occur in areas of abrasion,erosion, and abfraction, or as primary root caries
and recurrent decay. This mode of caries occurs at or apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). It
is important to have a full understanding of the nature of and the different root surface lesions
that may occur, so definitions of the various root caries lesions are now summarized.
is a hard, smooth, sharply demarcated and shiny lesion, which contains scratches and is free of plaque. It is
caused by mechanical abrasion, such as from toothbrushing (Fig. 1), while root surface erosion
is a hard and relatively smooth lesion that occurs on areas free of plaque. This lesion is
undemarcated and is formed where acids etch away the mineralized tissue, such as occurs from
the extensive consumption of fruits or juices containing phosphoric or citric acid