What is another term for a cavity in dental terms?

In dental terminology, a cavity is commonly referred to as dental caries. This term describes the decay of tooth structure that occurs due to the demineralization of the tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque. Dental caries can lead to holes or cavities in the teeth, which may require dental treatment to restore the affected tooth. Recognizing this term helps in understanding the process of tooth decay and its implications for oral health.

The other terms listed relate to different dental issues. Poor dentition describes overall dental health and alignment, trismus refers to limited jaw movement often due to muscle spasms, and pericoronitis is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, particularly the wisdom teeth. These terms highlight various conditions but do not specifically denote a cavity.