What is the definition or description of: caries?

Decay: Caries is simply decay of the hard structures of the body, including teeth and bones. Dental caries, if left untreated, is a disease that will progress. Simple fillings can remove caries when minimal. Invasive caries may cause further destruction to require a larger restoration such as a crown or onlay, and possibly include a root cananl if the caries progresses into the nerve of the tooth.

Dental caries is: A destructive process causing decalcification of the tooth enamel and leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentin, and cavitation of the tooth.

Bacteria Infection: Caries is defined as and infectious and transmissible disease resulting from certain bacteria present within the oral cavity. The bacteria are transmitted vertically (mother/father to child) and horizontally (child to child, non-relative to child, anyone to anyone). These bacteria demineralize tooth structure, and cause cavitations in teeth which can then cause pain if they progress deeply.

Dental cavity: Caries is another name for cavities. These are caused by germs which attach to the tooth surface by plaque. These germs take sugars and produce acid which dissolves the hard surface of the tooth forming a cavity or hole. It will progress to the inner part( dentin) of the tooth quickly weakening the tooth or exposing the nerve (pulp) to infection.