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dental caries medical definition
noun
The formation of cavities in the teeth by the action of bacteria; tooth decay.
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dental caries
Top left: acid from bacterial action destroys enamel and forms a cavity
Top right: unchecked decay spreads to the dentin
Bottom left: an enlarged cavity allows bacteria to attack exposed dental pulp
Bottom right: untreated and infected dental pulp causes the eventual death of the pulp and tooth
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