Tooth decay is also called dental caries and it is a very common affliction. I have some interesting information about this problem and what can be done to prevent it. Basically,  tooth decay is caused when certain bacteria accumulate on the teeth. (Usually this bacteria is strep mutans and the buildup of bacterial colonies is called plaque.)  Decay producing bacteria thrive on sugars and their acidic metabolic byproducts are able to dissolve tooth structure.  If decay is not removed it continues to destroy the tooth.  If it reaches the center of the tooth where the tooth nerve lives, a dental abscess can result and a root canal or extraction will be needed.  If a large amount of tooth structure is destroyed, a dental cap may be needed. Decay occurs in people of all ages, although it is most active in childhood and teens.  Fortunately,  there are things that can be done to prevent decay or minimize it.  That is what this site is about.