A quasi-constant composition method for studying the formation of artificial caries-like lesions.

Caries-like lesions were formed in human tooth enamel in a quasi-constant composition titration system without the use of surface dissolution inhibitors or weak acids. The titration system maintained the composition of the demineralizing solution constant to within 6% on the average. Thus, the rate of lesion formation may be quantitatively assessed from the rate of titration. The system has sufficient sensitivity for measuring the rate of lesion formation in a small area, e.g., 15 mm2, of a single human enamel specimen.