National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Practice Exam

While caries in enamel and cementum both involve demineralization of the surface caused by acid produced by bacteria in plaque, the progression of the two types of caries can differ. Cemental caries tends to progress more quickly because the cementum is less mineralized and has a higher organic content compared to enamel. This makes it more susceptible to the acidic environment created by plaque, leading to faster breakdown of the tooth structure. Therefore, cemental caries are often more advanced and less visible on X-rays compared to enamel caries. It can also lead to more pain and sensitivity as the decay progresses rapidly, often reaching the pulp of the tooth sooner.