Tooth Decay

Teeth decay when a thin, sticky layer forms on the surface. The layer, called plaque, contains many bacteria. 

When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in the plaque turn the sugar into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time. This acid softens and dissolves the hard surface covering the teeth, in turn slowly producing the cavity. T

his surface that is affected is called enamel. The whole process in which this cavity is formed is known as demineralization, or simply tooth decay (caries).

When the cavity reaches the dentine, which is the white substance underneath the enamel one starts feeling pain since this substance is sensitive to pain unlike the enamel which doesn’t contain any nerves. 

Saliva that is produced in our mouth, lips to wash away and neutralize the acid also contains minerals that replace those lost from the enamel during the acid attack, in a process called remineralization. 

Demineralization and remineralization are processes repeated anytime we eat or drink.