Advocacy

Oral Health Resources

Find downloadable information about common dental issues and procedures. For more information catering to your patients’ needs, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com, the Academy of General Dentistry’s public Web site.

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   >>> Cavities and Tooth Decay   Related articles:
>> What is Tooth Decay?
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  • Living in a Sugar Culture
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  • Cavity Prevention Tips for Preschoolers
  • Protect Your Child's Teeth From Harm On Halloween
  • Is My Child at Risk for Early Childhood Tooth Decay?
  • Sip Wine to Save Your Teeth
  • Saved by a Straw? Sipping Soda Reduces Decay Risk
  • Gum-Chewers Have Reason to Smile About Xylitol
  • Diet Soda Drinkers, Beware!
    •  
       Children's Oral Health  
       Choosing a Dentist  
       Cosmetic Dentistry  
       Crowns  

    What is Tooth Decay?

    Tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is an oral disease that affects many people. Unlike other diseases, however, caries is not life-threatening and is highly preventable, though it affects most people to some degree during their lifetime.

     

    Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods and produces acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or demineralizing enamel, which weakens the teeth and leads to tooth decay.

     

    Foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, and cake, and even some fruits, vegetables, and juices, may contribute to tooth decay.

     

    Updated: February 2007

     
    The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public.

    Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org.

    Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.