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caries science definition
Plural caries caries
Decay of a bone or tooth. Dental plaque formed by bacteria initiates a progressive process of decay that, if left unchecked, leads to tooth loss.
caries
four stages of progressive dental disease:
A: bacterial acid destroying enamel and forming a cavity;
B: unchecked decay spreading to the dentin;
C: enlarged cavity allowing bacteria to attack exposed pulp at the center of the tooth;
D: untreated infected pulp causing eventual death of the pulp and the tooth
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