Crossword Genius

Roughly, a sign of tooth decay (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caries

'tooth decay' is the definition.
('caries' can be a synonym of 'tooth decay')

'roughly a sign' is the wordplay.
'roughly' becomes 'c' (circa).
'a sign' becomes 'aries' (star sign).
'c'+'aries'='CARIES'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for caries that I've seen before include "Decayed areas in teeth" , "Dental decay" , "I scare easily with tooth decay" , "Decay in bones or teeth (6)" , "Decay of bone or teeth" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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