Microbes (bacteria) of the mouth develop on the teeth every day. They form a sticky film on teeth, called dental plaque. The bacteria found in dental plaque use sugar foods and beverages we consume to produce acid. This acid attacks and damages the outer layer of teeth (enamel and dentin).
If the acid continues to attack a hole appear in the outer layer of the tooth. This is called tooth decay. The tooth decay can be painful, but may go unnoticed.
Saliva neutralizes acid of the plate. If the plate is removed and saliva covers new teeth enamel may harden again. Fluoride helps the enamel to repair.
A cavity that continues to evolve may have different consequences:
- The tooth could break
- The nerve or pulp of the tooth could become infected, resulting in the death of nerve
- You might have a toothache
- Your face may swell
- You may feel sick
- You may need a seal
- You might have to tear this tooth (which is rather rare these days).