HealthAugust 4, 2026

caries

KAIR-eez

Definition

The technical medical term for dental decay or cavities; the progressive destruction of tooth structure.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'caries,' meaning 'rottenness' or 'decay.' It entered medical English in the 17th century specifically to describe the localized destruction of bone or tooth tissue.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe dental health risks, noting that sugar-sweetened beverages are a leading cause of caries in children, which in turn necessitates costly hospital interventions.

Simple intervention doubles Taranaki drinking fountains: A public health success story

Read the full article ↗

Public Health Communication Centre

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