tooth decay
Enamel breaking down
Tooth decay is the gradual destruction of tooth enamel and underlying tissue by bacteria and acids.
It begins as cavities—small holes in the tooth surface—and progresses if untreated.
The dentist found some tooth decay on my back molars.
Poor oral hygiene, sugary foods, and infrequent dental care accelerate the process.
- cariesTooth tissue decay
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- cavityEmpty space within
- enamelHard glossy coating
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
mouth · pulpitis · biofilm · hole · enamel erosion · tartar · pain · dentin · gingivitis · sucrose · periodontitis · rot · novocaine · sweet · halitosis · extraction · nerves · drill
- dental carefloss, brushing, flossing, mouthwash, oral hygiene
- dental healthoral health, cavities, fluoride, flossing, dentists
- dental problemscavities, overbite, underbite, gum disease, malocclusion
- health problemsdisease, cancer, diabetes, illness, heart disease
- sugar effectsenergy spike, sugar rush, crash, cavities, insulin spike
- Dental Researchroot canals, gum disease
biological process direction
tooth decayremineralization
Restoring mineral content
tooth repair · tissue regeneration · fluoride treatment · calcification
tooth, decay, teeth, toothed, dental, toothbrush, toothache, toothless, toothpaste