You call it a cavity. Your dentist calls it tooth decay or dental caries. They're all names for a hole in your tooth. The cause of tooth decay is plaque, a sticky substance in your mouth made up mostly of germs. Tooth decay starts in the outer layer, called the enamel. Without a filling, the decay can get deep into the tooth and its nerves and cause a toothache or abscess.

1. Fitango Education
Health Topics
Toothache
http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=351

2. Overview
You call it a cavity. Your dentist calls it
tooth decay or dental caries. They're all names for
a hole in your tooth. The
cause of tooth decay is plaque, a sticky substance
in your mouth made up mostly
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3. Overview
of germs. Tooth decay starts in the outer layer,
called the enamel. Without a
filling, the decay can get deep into the tooth and
its nerves and cause a
toothache or abscess.
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4. Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
-- Tooth pain or aches, particularly after
sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
-- Holes or pits visible in the teeth
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5. Prevention
To help prevent cavities
-- Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride
toothpaste
-- Clean between your teeth every day with
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6. Prevention
floss or another type of between-the-teeth cleaner
-- Snack smart - limit sugary snacks
-- See your dentist or oral health
professional regularly
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/toothdecay.
html
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7. Treatment
Treatments may include:
-- Fillings
-- Crowns
-- Root canals
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