Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them

Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them

Proper daily dental care can help keep plaque and bacteria at bay, experts say

Cavities are holes in the teeth through which bacteria can enter. (iStock)

If you don’t clean sugars and starches off your teeth properly, bacteria begin feeding on them and wearing down the hard outer shell of the tooth. (iStock)

Saliva helps clear away bacteria to keep plaque from forming, so it's important to treat dry mouth symptoms when they appear, experts say. (iStock)