Crossword Genius

May need stopping before they get too bad (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

teeth

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'may' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for teeth that I've seen before include "Dentures" , "Structures in the jaws" , "they add effectiveness" , "Gnashers" , "They're to be found on a gear-wheel" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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