Tooth decay or dental cavities is commonly referred to as holes in the teeth. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in the food you eat and make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection and tooth loss. Tooth decay is influenced by what we eat, how well we take care of our teeth and the presence of fluoride in water and toothpaste. Heredity also plays a role in tooth decay.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation