What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is simply the damaging of your tooth enamel, which is the very hard outer layer of a tooth. It affects kids, teens, and adults. A gummy film of bacteria frequently forms on your teeth. When you consume foods or drinks that have sugars, the bacteria present in plaque form acids that damage your tooth enamel.

Cavities will then arise from the stickiness of the plaque keeping these acids in contact with your teeth and with time may cause the breakdown of the enamel. In most cavities, a hole will be formed in your tooth which is usually caused by decay.

Consequently, cavities can also be called tooth decay or caries.

tooth decay
What are the types of tooth decay and cavities?
Smooth surface, pit and fissure, and root are the three (3) main types of cavities present on your teeth. Cavities completely destroy areas in the hard surface of your teeth usually the enamel, therefore, making it develop tiny openings or holes. These dental caries or tooth decays are caused by several factors like frequent taking of snacks, bacteria in your mouth, not taking good care of your teeth, and consuming sugary drinks.

Tooth decay and cavities are predominant amongst infants, teenagers, and older adults. Cavities and tooth decay can become larger and affect deeper regions of your teeth resulting in loss of tooth, toothache, and infection. To avert tooth decay and cavities from occurring, you have to imbibe good brushing techniques and use a special thread to clean between your teeth properly.

Symptoms of tooth decay and cavities?
Its symptoms are due to the extent and location of the tooth decay or cavities. At the initial stage the cavity is developing, you may not experience any symptoms at all but as the tooth decay gets larger, it may bring about visible signs and symptoms. They include:

*The sensitivity of the tooth
*Noticeable holes or little openings in your teeth
*Feelings of pains when you bite meat or fishes
*Incessant toothache
*Feelings of mild to sharp pain especially when sipping sweet drinks either cold or hot
*Having some black, brown or white stains on the surface of your tooth

Read more at https://relhealth.com/tooth-decay-and-cavities-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/