Decay of bone or tooth.
Decay and disintegration, usually of the substance of teeth (cavity) or bone. It is caused by acids produced when the bacteria that live in the mouth break down sugars in the food. Fluoride, a low sugar intake, and regular brushing are all protective. Caries form mainly in the 45 minutes following consumption of sugary food. + prikaži više

ETYM Latin cavus hollow: cf. French cavité.
In dentistry, decay (caries) of tooth enamel by the acids produced by mouth bacteria. Continuing decay undermines the inner tooth and attacks the nerve, causing toothache. Measures can be taken to save teeth by cleaning out the decay (drilling) and filling the tooth with a plastic substance such as silver amalgam or covering the cavity with an inlay or crown.
Soft decayed area in a tooth; progressive decay can lead to the death of a tooth; SYN. caries, dental caries, tooth decay.
1. A hollow space; SYN. enclosed space, depression, cave, hole.
2. (Anatomy) A natural hollow or sinus within the body; SYN. bodily cavity, cavum. + prikaži više