a destructive process causing decalcification of the tooth enamel and leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentine, and cavitation of the tooth.
A disease of the calcified structures of the teeth, characterized by decalcification of the mineral components and dissolution of the organic matrix.
the disease process leading to tooth decay
An infectious disease that results in demineralization and ultimately cavitation of the tooth surface if not controlled or remineralized. Dental cavities may be either treated (filled) or untreated (unfilled).()
gradual demineralization of the enamel and dentin of a tooth; it may invade the pulp and alveolar bone; also called tooth decay
soft decayed area in a tooth; progressive decay can lead to the death of a tooth
decay of teeth; commonly known as "cavities"
Popularly known as cavities, dental caries occur when bacteria in the mouth feed on fermentable carbohydrates and produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel. Various conditions affect this process, such as heredity and the composition and flow of saliva. Any fermentable carbohydrate (starches and sugars) can serve as food for cavity-causing bacteria. The amount of carbohydrate is not as important as how often these foods are eaten and how long they stay in the mouth. Widespread use of fluoride in water supplies and oral health products is credited with the dramatic decline in dental caries among children and adults alike over the past 20 years. Also, see " fluoride."
Specific bacteria that use fermentable carbohydrates to produce acids that dissolve the minerals in the tooth, also called decay/cavity. A carie is a preventable dental disease. Individuals with caries may not have any symptoms. The most susceptibe tooth surfaces to caries are pits, fissures and interproximal areas.
Tooth decay is the commonly known term for dental caries, an infectious, transmissible, disease caused by bacteria. The damage done to teeth by this disease is commonly known as cavities. Tooth decay can cause pain and lead to infections in surrounding tissues and tooth loss if not treated properly.
A disease of the teeth in which microorganisms convert sugar in the mouth to an acid that erodes the tooth. Commonly called a cavity.
Dental caries, also described as tooth decay, is an infectious disease which damages the structures of teeth.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001055.htm Dental Cavities, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, page accessed August 14, 2006. The disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in severe cases, death. There is a long history of dental caries, with evidence showing the disease was present in the Bronze, Iron, and Medieval ages but also prior to the neolithic period.http://www.uic.edu/classes/osci/osci590/11_1Epidemiology.htm Epidemiology of Dental Disease, hosted on the University of Illinois at Chicago website.
Dental caries is uncommon among companion animals.http://www.avds-online.org/info/cavities.html Although rarely seen in cats, the incidence of caries in dogs has been estimated at approximately 5%.Hale FA. "Dental caries in the dog." J Vet Dent. 1998 Jun;15(2):79-83.