Stages of tooth decay
Tooth decay is a disease that attacks the dental hard tissues and spreads into the interior of the tooth to form a cavity. It causes localized, progressive destruction of the enamel, i.e. the outer surface, and then the dentin beneath the enamel. Deep decay can reach the dental pulp, where the nerve and blood vessels are located.
The main causes of tooth decay are a diet high in sugars and poor dental hygiene. After each meal, food debris clings to the teeth. If it is not brushed away, the bacteria in the mouth transform the sugars in the food debris into acids.