Tooth decay or dental caries is the disease of your teeth that resulting the damage to your tooth structure. The cavities which are formed because of dental caries are known as dental cavities. Tooth decay or dental caries is vary common dental disease in humans. It can affect any person. Gradual breakdown of your teeth is known as tooth decay. It begins with enamel surface and eventually increased to the inner pulp.

Causes of tooth decay

The tooth decay or dental caries is caused by some mouth bacteria which form some acid in our mouth. Tooth decay is a location of the tooth where its mineral content has been dissolved away and a hole has formed. This process is known as a demineralization.

Bacteria are living things just as a human being. Every one knows that humans consume food and produce the waste products. Same activity occurs in bacteria. Bacteria that has a capability of causing a cavities consumes sugar (as a food).the waste product is acid (specially lactic acid), which is the main cause of tooth decay.

Signs and symptoms 

1) Feel toothache- specially when we take sweet ,hot or cold foods or drinks.
2) Fever and swollen gums.
3) Pits and holes in the teeth which are visible.
4) Bad breathe is also a sign of tooth decay.

Chalky white spot on the surface of the tooth is another main sign of tooth decay, which is caused by acid produced by bacterias of our mouth.

Treatment of Tooth Decay

The main goal of treatment is to prevent the tooth . To fully regenerate the structure of destroyed tooth is not possible, but remineralization of small cavities may occur if dental hygiene is kept in maximum level.but still the growth of dental caries can stopped by treatment.

 Dental filling is a procedure in which the decayed material is removed and filled with
 material such as composite resin, gold or dental amalgam and porcelain.

 Crowns are used when it is not possible to restore the structure of the tooth. It is a cap
  which an be covers a cracked tooth.

 Root canal therapy is also known as a endodontic therapy. this is another treatment
  technique for tooth decay. this therapy used when the nerve in a tooth does not works.

  Prevention

  1) Regularly brush your teeth at least twice in a day.
  2) Always take balance diet
  3) Avoid to take sugary things.
  4) Routine dental cleaning
  5) Avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs.