Tooth Decay (caries)

Tooth decay (caries) is a common problem affecting teeth, and affects people of all ages. There are bacteria which live in plaque, and make it very sticky. These bacteria feed on sugars which come from food and drink (such as sucrose, glucose and fructose), and produce acids.

The acids they produce can damage the tooth's surface by softening it (dissolving away the minerals in the tooth's outer surface which is called enamel).

Once all the sugar has been used up, the acid gradually disappears and the tooth's surface starts to repair itself.

Each time something sweet is eaten or drunk, plaque bacteria produce more acids, which attack the tooth's enamel again and softens it. that's why it's so important to keep brushing your teeth after you have eaten!