Clinical term
tooth decay
Destruction of tooth structure by acids produced when bacteria in dental plaque break down sugars. It begins in enamel and, untreated, progresses into dentine and then the pulp.
Also called: dental caries, cavities, caries
Reviewed by Dr. Amit Sharma, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon · Last reviewed 3 September 2026
Read the full guideDiet and Tooth Decay
Where we discuss tooth decay
- When an Infected Tooth Needs Immediate Emergency Extraction
- Pain Under a Dental Crown When Chewing Food
- Signs of Tooth Decay Under an Existing Crown
- What Causes a Dark Line Around a Crown
- Ceramic Inlays and Onlays for Large Back Cavities
- Signs and Symptoms of a Loose Dental Bridge
- Dealing With Dental Cement Washout Under Old Restorations
- What to Do When a Dental Crown Falls Off
- Dental Sealants on Molars: What Parents Need to Know
- Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment for Cavities in Young Children
- Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Causes, Symptoms, and Early Treatment
- Fluoride Varnish Applications for Toddlers: Benefits and Safety
- Why Tooth Decay Spreads Faster in Primary Baby Teeth
- White Spot Lesions: Reversing Enamel Demineralization in Kids
- Preparing Your Toddler for Their First Dental Checkup Visit
- Sjogren's Syndrome Oral Care: Protecting Teeth from Severe Cavities
- Why Diabetes Causes Persistent Dry Mouth and Cavities
- Preventing Tooth Decay Caused by Radiation Dry Mouth
- How to Reverse Early Tooth Decay at Home
- Fluoride Varnish Treatments for Adults and High Risk Patients
- Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment for Stopping Cavities
- How Saliva Protects Your Teeth Against Tooth Decay
- Xylitol Chewing Gum Benefits for Cavity Prevention
- Prescription High Fluoride Toothpaste for High Decay Risk
Related clinical terms
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