What are the Difference between caries and decayed?

Caries and decayed are related terms in dentistry but refer to different aspects of the same condition:

1. Caries (often called dental caries):
– This is the medical term for the disease process that leads to tooth decay.
– It describes the dynamic interaction between bacteria in the mouth, dietary sugars, and tooth enamel. Bacteria produce acids that demineralize the enamel, leading to cavities (holes in the teeth).
– Caries can be classified by stage (e.g., incipient, moderate, severe) or location (e.g., pit-and-fissure, root caries).

2. Decayed:
– This is an adjective describing the result of untreated caries.
– A tooth is termed “decayed” when its structure (enamel, dentin, or pulp) has been damaged or destroyed by the caries process.
– Decay implies visible or tangible deterioration, such as cavities, discoloration, or soft spots in the tooth.

Key Difference:
– Caries refers to the disease process causing tooth damage.
– Decayed describes the state of the tooth after being affected by caries.

Example:
– A dentist might say, “This tooth has active caries,” indicating ongoing decay.
– They might later note, “The decayed portion needs removal,” referring to the damaged tissue.

In summary, caries is the cause, and decayed is the effect. While “decay” can be a general term for rotting, in dentistry, it specifically results from caries.