Caries
Pronunciation: KAIR-eez
The clinical and preferred scientific term for tooth decay; an infectious, multifactorial disease process resulting in the demineralisation and destruction of tooth structure.
Full Definition
Caries is both a singular and plural noun denoting the disease process of dental decay—it refers to the condition itself rather than an individual cavity, though the two terms are often used interchangeably in patient-facing documents. In formal clinical records, billing documents, and scientific publications, 'caries' is the preferred term over 'cavity' or 'decay'. Editors must note that 'caries' functions as a non-count noun in clinical usage and does not take an article in the singular ('caries is present', not 'a caries is present'). Using 'decay' is acceptable in patient education materials but should be flagged in clinical documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Treat as both singular and plural (like 'species'). In formal clinical or billing documents, prefer 'caries' over 'cavity' or 'decay'. Note: 'carious' is the adjectival form (e.g., 'carious lesion').
In Context
- "The clinical note recorded 'interproximal caries at mesial of tooth #14', which the editor confirmed was correctly formatted for the insurance narrative." — Clinical note / insurance narrative
- "In editing the patient newsletter, the writer substituted 'tooth decay' for 'caries' throughout to improve readability for a lay audience." — Patient education newsletter