dental caries

dental caries definition - medical

dental caries

noun
The formation of cavities in the teeth by the action of bacteria; tooth decay.

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dental caries

Top left: acid from bacterial action destroys enamel and forms a cavity

Top right: unchecked decay spreads to the dentin

Bottom left: an enlarged cavity allows bacteria to attack exposed dental pulp

Bottom right: untreated and infected dental pulp causes the eventual death of the pulp and tooth

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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