What causes tooth decay or dental caries?
The main cause of dental decay is dental plaque, a thick sticky substance that collects on the surface of the tooth. Dental plaque is made up of large amount of bacteria, food particles and salivary products. If food, especially those rich in sugar/starch is left in the mouth, bacteria act on it, breaking it down into acids. These acids then soften and dissolve the minerals of the tooth, producing microscopic cavities on the surface. Over a period of time, with repeated acid attacks, a chalky white spot develops (first visible sign of decay). Eventually the spot develops into a cavity. This cavity will collect more food particles and lead to further destruction and larger cavity.
