Caries (redirected from enamel caries)

caries /car·ies/ (kar´ez) (kar´e-ez) decay, as of bone or teeth.ca´rious

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dental caries  a destructive process causing decalcification of the tooth enamel and leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentin, and cavitation of the tooth.

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car·ies (kârz)

n. pl. caries

Decay of a bone or tooth, especially dental caries.

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Caries

The medical term for tooth decay.

Mentioned in: Tooth Decay

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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.

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caries

decay, as of bone or teeth.

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dental caries

demineralization and loss of substance of the hard tissues of the teeth, leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentine, and cavitation of the tooth. It is a very rare disease in animals. Occurs occasionally in sheep. May occur as pits or fissures. Called also a cavity.

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caries Dentistry Cavity, tooth decay The destruction of tooth enamel and dentin, which is linked to infection by Streptococcus mutans and microaerophilic organisms that thrive when protected by a layer of hardened dental plaque; caries is most common in the young with refined carbohydrate-rich diets, especially in 'snackers' who have ↑ oral pH; caries may affect older Pts with DM, CA, or immunodeficiencies. See Fluoridation, Periodontal disease, Plaque, Tartar.