Cavity
Also called: dental caries
Permanently damaged areas in teeth that develop into tiny holes.
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging often required
Causes include bacteria, snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and poor teeth cleaning.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth's surface (enamel). This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity.
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