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A cavity is most often caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, that constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and after many such attacks, the enamel can break down and a cavity forms.
The good news is that cavities and tooth decay can often times be prevented through regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. Once a cavity develops it can often be repaired with a filling. More extensive decay could require a root canal, crown or removal of the tooth.
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