
Cavities and tooth decay - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Nov 30, 2023 · Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get …
What Does a Cavity Look Like at Every Stage? (with Pictures)
Apr 22, 2025 · Dental cavities are also called “caries,” “carious lesions,” or more commonly, “tooth decay.” Cavities form because of erosion in the outer layer of tooth enamel. That erosion is caused …
Cavities (Tooth Decay): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
What is a cavity? A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay. Cavities form when acids in your mouth wear down (erode) your tooth’s hard outer layer (enamel). Anyone can get a cavity. …
Do I Have a Cavity? How to Tell at Home - Verywell Health
3 days ago · Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that eats away at tooth enamel. This can lead to a cavity (a hole in the tooth). A cavity in your tooth doesn't always have symptoms at first, but …
About Cavities (Tooth Decay) | Oral Health | CDC
May 15, 2024 · Cavities (also called tooth decay or dental caries) are one of the most common diseases people get and live with during their lifetime. 1 Cavities are caused by the bacteria in your mouth that …
Dental Cavities - WebMD
Aug 3, 2025 · The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to your teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities.
What is a Cavity? Tooth Decay Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
Nov 20, 2025 · Tooth decay and cavities affect the majority of people at some point in their lives. They are also largely preventable with a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist.
Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) - Johns Hopkins Medicine
What is tooth decay (caries or cavities)? Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. It's caused by certain bacteria in the mouth that thrive on sugars and refined carbohydrates and make …
Cavities - Mouth and Dental Disorders - Merck Manual Consumer Version
Tooth pain occurs after decay reaches the inside of the tooth. Dentists can detect cavities by examining the teeth and taking x-rays periodically. Good oral hygiene and regular dental care plus a healthy diet …
What Exactly Is a Cavity? Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Feb 12, 2025 · Dental Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are one of the most common dental problems worldwide. If left untreated, they can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. In …