Learn about cavities, or tooth decay, and how to prevent and treat them. Find out the signs, stages, risk factors and complications of cavities, and how to keep your teeth healthy.

Learn what tooth cavities are, how they form, and how to treat them. Find out the risk factors, complications, and prevention tips for this common dental problem.

Cavities are decayed areas of your teeth that become tiny openings or holes. The three types of cavities are shown here. Smooth surface cavities occur on the smooth sides of your teeth.

Cavities (also called tooth decay or dental caries) are one of the most common diseases people get and live with during their lifetime. 1 Cavities are caused by the bacteria in your mouth that stick to your teeth. You feed the bacteria every time you eat or drink.

Dental cavities are also called “caries,” “carious lesions,” or more commonly, “tooth decay.” Cavities form because of erosion in the outer layer of tooth enamel. That erosion is caused by germs (dental plaque) which secrete acid byproducts (germ poop) whenever they break down food particles.

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, [a] is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria. [6] The cavities may be a number of different colors, from yellow to black. [1] Symptoms may include pain and difficulty eating.

What Is a Cavity? A cavity is what you get from tooth decay -- damage to a tooth. Decay can affect the outer coating of a tooth (called enamel) and the inner layer (called dentin). The symptoms of...

A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that occurs when the hard outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, is damaged. Although you might not notice a cavity forming at first, it can eventually cause pain. In more serious cases, a cavity can result in a dental procedure called a root canal. Cavities are a common dental problem.

Cavities are a common oral health issue affecting all age groups. Learn about types of cavities, how they form, what they look and feel like, and more.