DENTAL CAVITY Meaning and
Definition
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A dental cavity, also known as a tooth cavity, is a common dental condition characterized by the progressive decay and damage of a tooth's structure. It refers to a small hole or an area of decay on the surface of a tooth caused by the combined effects of dental plaque, bacteria, and poor oral hygiene.
Dental cavities are primarily caused by the breakdown of sugars and starches present in the food we consume. When dental plaque builds up on the teeth, the bacteria in the plaque interact with these sugars and produce acid. Over time, this acid erodes the tooth's protective outer layer, known as the enamel, leading to the formation of a cavity.
Common signs and symptoms of a dental cavity include tooth pain, sensitivity, visible holes or pits on the tooth surface, and discoloration. If left untreated, dental cavities can progress deeper into the tooth, affecting the dentin and even reaching the pulp, where the tooth nerves and blood vessels are located. This can result in severe pain, infection, and potentially lead to tooth loss.
Treatment for dental cavities typically involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the resulting hole with restorative materials such as dental amalgam or tooth-colored composite resin. Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, are essential for preventing dental cavities.
Common Misspellings for DENTAL CAVITY
- sental cavity
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- dwntal cavity
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Etymology of DENTAL CAVITY
The word "dental cavity" is derived from a combination of two different sources.
The term "dental" comes from the Latin word "dens, dentis" which means "tooth". This Latin word also gave rise to related terms like "dentist" and "dentistry".
The word "cavity" comes from the Latin "cavitas" meaning "hollow", which is derived from the root word "cavus" meaning "empty". This term is used to refer to a hollow or empty space, and it was later applied to describe tooth decay or the hollow areas formed by decay.
Therefore, the etymology of "dental cavity" signifies a hollow or empty space in the tooth.
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