early childhood caries

early childhood caries,

severe dental caries that are promoted by the sugars, acids, and sometimes Streptococcus mutans in a bottle of milk or juice left in contact with a child's primary teeth. This can also occur from contact with breast milk left in a sleeping child's mouth. The condition is preventable; no child should be permitted to fall asleep nursing on any liquid other than plain water. Also called bottle mouth caries.

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caries (ker´ēz),

n in dentistry, the decay of a tooth. Colloquial term is
cavity.

Advanced caries.

caries, arrested,

n the state existing when the progress of the decay process has halted. It is noted by its dark staining without any breakdown of tooth tissues.

Caries Assessment Tool (CAT),

n.pr an analysis that examines the risk factors for the development of dental caries in infants and young children. Risk factors such as the environment, family history, and general health can be identified early, thereby reducing a patient's risk for developing dental caries and other diseases of the teeth and gingival tissues.

caries, baby bottle,

n See caries, early childhood (EEC).

caries, cemental (root surface),

n the decay of the cementum that occurs as a result of gingival recession and exposure of the root surface. See also caries, cervical (root surface).

caries, cervical (root surface),

n the decay that appears on the root at the cementoenamel junction or the neck as a result of gingival recession and exposure of the root surface. See also caries, cemental (root surface).

caries, chronic,

n a form of caries that occurs over time and demands regular dental intervention.

caries, compound,

n a type of caries that affects two or more surfaces of a tooth.

caries, early childhood (EEC),

n a form of severe dental decay occurring in young children that is caused by long and frequent exposure to liquids that are high in sugar, such as milk or juice. Because this form can damage the underlying bone structure, it may affect the development of permanent teeth.

caries, enamel,

n the decay that occurs in the enamel of a tooth because of a fissure or the collection of bacterial plaque. It appears first as white spots, which later darken to brown.

caries, gross,

n a form of caries with advanced dental decay that is easily seen clinically.

caries, healed,

n See caries, arrested.

caries, incipient,

n a decayed part of a tooth in which the lesion is just coming into existence.

caries, nursing,

n See caries, early childhood (EEC).

caries, pit-and-fissure,

n See cavity, pit and fissure. See also sealant, enamel.

caries, plaque-related,

n the caries associated with plaque formation. Most commonly located in the pits and fissures of the teeth, especially the molar and premolar teeth, and along the gingival tissue and also the margins associated with dental restorations.

caries, proximal,

n decay occurring in the mesial or distal surface of a tooth.

caries, rampant,

n a suddenly appearing, widespread, rapidly progressing type of caries.

caries, recurrent,

n the extension of the carious process beyond the margin of a restoration. Also called
secondary caries.

caries, residual,

n (residual carious dentin), the decayed material left in a prepared cavity and over which a restoration is placed.

caries, root,

n tooth decay occurring on a portion of the root that is exposed.

Root caries.

caries, senile

n older term for the decay noted particularly in the elderly when supporting tissues have receded; occurs in cementum, usually on proximal surfaces of the teeth.

caries, smooth surface,

n the decay that occurs on the smooth surfaces of the tooth. See also caries, proximal dental and
S. mutans.

caries, vaccine,

n a vaccine currently under development to treat dental caries by inoculating against bacteria commonly known to contribute to their formation, particularly
S. mutans.