Which term is another name for tooth decay?

Which term is another name for tooth decay?

• A. Caries
• B. Cross Contamination
• C. Eruption
• D. Exfoliate

Answer: (A)

Tooth decay is referred to as caries in dental terminology. This term captures the disease process where bacteria in the mouth produce acids from fermentable carbohydrates, leading to demineralization and cavity formation in the enamel and dentin. Caries is the precise clinical label for this decay, which is why it’s the correct choice. The other terms don’t describe decay: cross contamination means transfer of microbes between surfaces or patients, eruption is the process of a tooth emerging into the mouth, and exfoliate refers to shedding or shedding of primary teeth.

Tooth decay is referred to as caries in dental terminology. This term captures the disease process where bacteria in the mouth produce acids from fermentable carbohydrates, leading to demineralization and cavity formation in the enamel and dentin. Caries is the precise clinical label for this decay, which is why it’s the correct choice.

The other terms don’t describe decay: cross contamination means transfer of microbes between surfaces or patients, eruption is the process of a tooth emerging into the mouth, and exfoliate refers to shedding or shedding of primary teeth.