The Stephan Curve revisited.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and conceptual commentary without primary data or systematic methodology
PubMed 23224410 · doi:10.1007/s10266-012-0092-z
What was done
Narrative review evaluating the historical role and limitations of the Stephan Curve in caries research, focusing on plaque pH measurement methods, intra-plaque pH heterogeneity, and biological interactions following sugar exposure.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical or quantitative findings. It reports that plaque pH measurements can give a false sense of accuracy because multiple pH values exist across the plaque matrix, and argues that using fixed critical pH thresholds to label foods as safe overlooks important biological mechanisms, particularly protective alkali production.
Why it matters
Highlights that caries pathogenesis extends beyond simple acid dissolution curves and points to plaque alkali production as a neglected research and therapeutic target.
Limits
No primary clinical or laboratory data are presented, no quantitative outcomes are reported, and no systematic search or study inclusion criteria are described.
Cited by
- context Teeth demineralize during eating and drinking, and repair themselves over a two-hour recovery period afterwards.