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Tooth decay

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Tooth decay is damage to the enamel of your teeth. It leads to cavities that can affect every layer of the tooth. Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria in the mouth eat away at a tooth. Any part of a tooth can decay, from the roots below the gum line to the chewing surface.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD
- Dentistry
Last Updated July 30, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 30, 2007
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