What defines incipient caries according to G.V. Black?

Incipient caries, as defined by G.V. Black, refers to a dental carious lesion that has not yet advanced significantly and is characterized by its limited extent within the enamel. Specifically, it describes a lesion that extends less than halfway through the enamel layer. This stage of caries represents the early phase of decay, where the mineralization of the enamel is still relatively intact, and the carious process can often be arrested or reversed with appropriate preventative or restorative measures.

By focusing on the specific criteria that G.V. Black established, it is understood that the key feature of incipient caries is its superficial nature, which distinguishes it from more advanced stages of carious lesions. This understanding is foundational in dental hygiene practice, as it guides clinicians in identifying early carious lesions and determining the most effective interventions before they progress to more severe dental issues.