dental decay
Enamel breaking down
Dental decay is the destruction of tooth structure by acids produced when bacteria break down sugars in the mouth.
It progresses from surface damage to deeper cavities that can reach the nerve.
The term appears in health contexts as a more clinical alternative to *cavities* or *tooth decay*: The dentist found evidence of dental decay on two molars.
- cavityEmpty space within
- toothCalcified jaw structure
- enamelHard glossy coating
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- sugarCrystalline carbohydrate sweetener
sweet tooth · sugar rush · filling · rot · bacteria · gum disease · tartar · toothache · drilling · drill bit · fluoride · oral hygiene · molar · pain · brush · floss · gum · crown
- dental caretoothbrush, toothpaste, floss, brushing, flossing
- Health Threatsdisease, epidemic, pandemic, virus, outbreak
- radiation effectsradiation sickness, health effects, hair loss, nausea, vomiting
- stimulant abusemeth, crystal meth, speed, meth addiction, cocaine addiction