Dental cavities are holes (or structural damage) in the teeth.
See also: Early childhood caries Caries; Tooth decay; Cavities -
tooth Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Tooth decay is a
common disorder, second only to the common cold . It usually
occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person.
Tooth decay is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.
Bacteria are normally found in your mouth. These bacteria change
foods -- especially sugar and starch -- into acids. Bacteria,
acid, food pieces, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a
sticky substance called plaque. Plaque sticks to the teeth. It
is most common on the back molars, just above the gum line on
all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not
removed from the teeth turns into a substance called tartar.
Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and
periodontitis . Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20
minutes after eating. If it is not removed, tooth decay will
begin. The acids in plaque d