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 accompanied or followed by disintegration of the organic portion, 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