caries
caries Dental decay caused by attack on the tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria that are normally present in the mouth. Sugars in the mouth promote bacterial growth and acid production; sucrose specifically promotes plaque‐forming bacteria, which cause the most damage. A moderately high intake of fluoride increases the resistance of tooth enamel to acid attack. See also tooth‐friendly sweets.
caries
caries (kair-eez) n. decay and crumbling of the substance of a bone. dental c. tooth decay, caused by the metabolism of the bacteria in plaque attached to the surface of the tooth. Acid formed by bacterial breakdown of sugar in the diet gradually etches and decomposes the enamel of the tooth; if left unrepaired, it spreads in and progressively destroys the tooth completely.
—carious adj.
—carious adj.
caries
caries Decay and disintegration of teeth or bone substance. Caries are caused by acids produced when bacteria present in the mouth break down sugars in food. Regular brushing, a reduced sugar intake and fluoride prevent decay.
caries
car·ies / ˈkerēz/ • n. decay and crumbling of a tooth or bone.
caries
caries (med.) decay of bones, etc. XVII. — L., ‘rottenness, decay’.
So carious decayed. XVI. — L. cariōsus.
So carious decayed. XVI. — L. cariōsus.
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