Tooth decay is damage that occurs when bacteria in the mouth make acids that eat away at the enamel of a tooth. This can cause a hole in the tooth called a cavity. If it isn't treated, tooth decay can cause infection, pain, and loss of the tooth.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSteven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry
Current as ofNovember 20, 2015
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise