Dental caries or a cavity is an infectious disease that causes damage to tooth structure. Such damage can lead to pain, bone abscess and tooth loss.

Initially, dental caries appears as a small chalky area but eventually develop
into a large, brown cavitation. Depending on the location of the dental caries,
they can be seen either directly or through a radiograph (x-ray) in order to
inspect less visible areas of teeth and to judge the extent of destruction.
Dental caries is caused by acid producing bacteria that are present in the
mouth. These bacteria produce acid by breaking down food remnants stuck on
or between teeth. Dental caries may or may not be associated with symptoms.
The risk of dental caries can be reduced via proper and thorough oral hygiene,
and regular visits to your dentist.