hambasööbija (-sööbimus), mida teki­tavad hammaste pinnal elavad bakterid oma ainevahetus­produktidega, hamba kõvakudede (emaili, dentiini ja juuretsemendi) krooniline haigus, mis ravimata jätmisel lõpeb hamba hävimisega, a localized, progressively destructive disease of the teeth resulting from the action of microorganisms on carbohydrates, characterized by decalcification of the inorganic portions of the tooth and ac, a process of demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to destruction of enamel and dentin, with cavitation of the tooth, a localized disease that begins at the surface of the tooth and may progress through the dentine into the pulp cavity