Final answer:
Dental caries, commonly referred to as cavities, are microbial lesions resulting from bacteria that erode tooth enamel and can lead to serious tooth infections if not properly treated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decay of tooth or cavities is clinically known as dental caries. This condition is a result of tooth enamel being eroded by acids produced by bacteria that thrive on sugary substances in the mouth. These bacteria, mainly Streptococcus species, create microbial lesions that can progress through the tooth structure from the enamel to the dentin and potentially reach the pulp, leading to severe infections or abscesses. Dental caries are preventable and treatable with proper dental hygiene and, if necessary, dental procedures such as fillings or root canals. Bacteria feeding on sugars in the mouth release acids that cause soft tissue inflammation and degradation of the enamel, leading to the development of cavities.