caries (redirected from pit-and-fissure caries)

caries /car·ies/ (kar´ēz) (kar´e-ēz) 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]

Etymology: L, decay

See dental caries.

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Caries

Dentistry 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 increased oral pH; caries may affect older patients with diabetes, cancer, or immunodeficiencies
Medical history Obsolete for tuberculosis of bone and joints
Orthopaedics Osteolytic, softened and discoloured bone 2º to chronic periostitis and periperiosteitis, with formation of cold abscesses filled with a cheesy, fetid, puslike goo, which extends through soft tissue to the surface via a sinus
Vox populi Cavities, cavity

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caries [kar´e-ēz, kar´ēz]

decay, as of bone or teeth. adj., adj ca´rious.

bottle mouth caries early childhood caries.

dental caries see dental caries.

dry caries (caries sic´ca) a form of tuberculous caries of the joints and ends of bones.

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. Called also bottle mouth caries.

recurrent caries dental caries beneath the margin of an existing tooth restoration.

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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.

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Patient discussion about caries.

Q. Dental Caries and Stress are related? Can it be possible that dental caries (cavities) be caused by stress? It seems to me that it can, because stress can cause all kinds of other health problems then why can't it also cause cavities. I have tried to find answers to question online, but have been unsuccessful. Sure would be great to know the answer to this.

A. if you understand the question "dental carries and stress are related?"

there are many factors that cause cavities ...

- poor hygiene
- poor diet
- malnutrition
- disease or illness
- and stress

it is well documented in the medical and alternative fields

Q. How can I prevent baby caries? Hi, I’m pregnant on my 34 week and my older son had baby caries, I would like to prevent that this time.

A. First of all you might want to know that sweetening his formula would do that. And it’s not healthy in general. So don’t do that. After feeding- clean his moth. How to do that? Here is an article about early tooth decay:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000101/20000101b.html

Q. Is there a way stopping caries progress? I'm 17 and I've recently noticed I have chalky white spots on the back of two of my teeth at the bottom. I go to the dentist regularly (I have braces at the minute) and I'm assuming he's seen them but he hasn't mentioned them. I'm just curious as to weather caries are treatable? Is there anything my dentist can do to stop it progressing into something worse?

A. Caries starts by demineralization of the enamel. The enamel is the hardest material in our body. The bacteria gets the mineral out of it and it becomes weak. Start as white color and continues to a black unpleasant color as it progresses into the tooth. If you rinse your mouth often with fluoride and brush your teeth properly- it will stop the demineralization and the fluoride will take the place of other minerals in the enamel. This will stop the caries and the white spot will slowly becomes black. This is a good situation- it’ll be harder then before.