Caries Humida is a term used in dentistry to refer to a type of dental decay that occurs due to prolonged exposure of teeth to moisture. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈkɛəriːz hjuːˈmɪdə/. The phonetic transcription of this word shows that the first syllable is pronounced with the "air" sound, followed by the "ee" sound in the second syllable. The second word is pronounced with the "hew" sound, followed by the "mid" and "uh" sounds.
Caries humida is a term used in dentistry to refer to a specific form of dental caries or tooth decay. It is also known as rampant caries or nursing bottle caries. This type of caries primarily affects young children, especially infants who are frequently exposed to sugary liquids, such as formula milk or fruit juices, from a bottle for prolonged periods.
The term "caries humida" is derived from Latin, where "caries" translates to "decay" and "humida" means "moist." This name is given to this specific type of caries because it often occurs in areas of the teeth that are persistently moist, such as near the gum line and on the upper front teeth. The constant presence of sugary liquids in these areas provides an ideal environment for the growth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to rapid tooth decay.
Caries humida typically presents as widespread decay across multiple teeth, mainly affecting the upper incisors. The lesions appear as creamy white or brown spots on the tooth surface, eventually progressing to cavities if left untreated. This condition can cause pain, infection, difficulty in eating, speech problems, and aesthetic concerns.
Prevention and early intervention are crucial in managing caries humida. Measures such as proper oral hygiene practices, limiting sugary liquid consumption, avoiding prolonged bottle use, and regular dental visits can help prevent its occurrence. Treatment may involve dental fillings, fluoride applications, and in severe cases, extraction or restoration of affected teeth.
Overall, caries humida is a specific type of tooth decay primarily affecting young children that can have significant consequences if left untreated.
C. accompanied by suppuration.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the phrase "caries humida" can be broken down as follows:
1. Caries: The word "caries" is derived from Latin and originally referred to the termite-bored decay in wood. Over time, it came to be used in medicine to describe the decay or destruction of bone, teeth, or any hard tissue in the body. It can be traced back to the Latin verb "carere", meaning "to be decayed" or "to fall to pieces".
2. Humida: The word "humida" is the Latin feminine form of the adjective "humidus", meaning "wet", "moist", or "damp". It is derived from the Latin noun "humus", which means "earth" or "ground", and it is related to the concept of moisture or dampness.