Tooth Decay

Illustration of Tooth decay

Tooth decay is damage to the enamel of your teeth. It leads to cavities that can affect every layer of the tooth. Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria in the mouth eat away at a tooth. Any part of a tooth can decay, from the roots below the gum line to the chewing surface.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSteven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry
Last RevisedJune 14, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 14, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry

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