Dental caries
![](/Images/godic/202412/21/Toothdecay4238.png")
![(A) A small spot of decay visible on the surface of a tooth. (B) The radiograph reveals an extensive region of demineralization within the dentin (arrows). (C) A hole is discovered on the side of the tooth at the beginning of decay removal. (D) All decay removed.](/Images/godic/202412/21/ToothMontage34238.jpg")
![Diagrammatic representation of acidogenic theory of causation of dental caries. Four factors, namely, a suitable carbohydrate substrate (1), micro-organisms in dental plaque (2), a susceptible tooth surface (3) and time (4); must be present together for dental caries to occur (5). Saliva (6) and fluoride (7) are modifying factors](/Images/godic/202412/21/Dental_caries_etiology_diagram4238.png")
![A gram stain image of Streptococcus mutans.](/Images/godic/202412/21/Streptococcus_mutans_014238.jpg")
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, cavities, or caries, is a breakdown of teeth due to activities of bacteria. The cavities may be a number of different colors from yellow to black. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating. Complications may include inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, tooth loss, and infection or abscess formation.