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Tooth Decay

Illustration of Tooth decay

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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry
Last Revised June 14, 2011

Last Revised: June 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry

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