Category: Tooth decay (Caries)

Tooth decay (caries) is the destruction of a tooth. It happens because a sticky film of bacteria (plaque) constantly forms on your teeth.

When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches (carbohydrates), the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth. This causes the tooth to break down forming a cavity.

Once the process has begun a cavity is not the inevitable result as treatment can prevent of reverse the process.