What is considered a caries in the dental field?

A caries, commonly known as a cavity, is the dental term for tooth decay. It begins as small damage to the hard tissues of the tooth and can progress to become a full-blown cavity if left untreated.

A caries forms when oral bacteria feed on leftover food particles on the teeth and produce acids in the process. These acids cause demineralization and erosion of the teeth over time, eventually creating a noticeable cavity or caries in the affected area.