Tooth decay is the damage caused by the acid in plaque eating away at the hard tissues of your teeth. When bacteria that is naturally found in your mouth feeds on sugar from the food you eat, acid is created. The combination of acid and bacteria forms a sticky biofilm that develops on the surface of your teeth called plaque.
Plaque typically builds up in the areas that are more difficult to clean, these include the grooves of your teeth, along the gum line, and in between your teeth.
Plaque begins its decay by eroding the hard, outer layer of your teeth called enamel.
In the early stages, decay may appear as small, chalky, white spots that are lighter than the tooth’s enamel. If allowed to progress, the acid produced by plaque can create small holes in the enamel. These little holes are called cavities. Once through enamel, acid meets a softer part of the tooth called dentin. Here, the decay process speeds up. At the point, a filling may be required to stop the decay from progressing. If decay continues, it will reach the living part of your tooth called the pulp. This is where the nerves and blood vessels are contained. Decay in this area can be painful. Once decay has reached the pulp, a root canal is often required to save the tooth. If left untreated, it could cause an abscess and possible loss of your tooth. To prevent tooth decay, it is important to brush and floss properly and regularly. By having regular cleanings and checkups, you can make sure that any decay is caught early and the least amount of damage is done.