Table 4 Skewed distribution of decay (decay defined as decay into dentine ).
When the summits of these are worn by mastication their surfaces present circles of dentine surrounded by a border of enamel, and as attrition proceeds different patterns are produced by the union of the bases of the cusps, a trefoil form being characteristic of some species.
The third or last molar tooth of both jaws is of great size, and presents a structure at first sight unlike that of any other mammal, being composed of numerous (22-25) parallel cylinders or columns, each with pulp-cavity, dentine and enamel-covering, and packed together with cement.
The uncoloured portions are the dentine or ivory, the shaded parts the cement filling the cavities and surrounding the exterior.
Sugar substitutes Chewing gums containing sugar substitutes have been found to be effective in retarding or arresting rampant dentine caries.