Tooth enamel is hard. It consists of many closely- packed rods made of minerals such as calcium. When you eat, acid forms on the outside of the tooth and seeps into the enamel's rod pushing out the calcium. This process where acid is removing calcium is called demineralization and it can produce a weak spot in the tooth's surface. If unchecked, the enamel can decay and create a cavity. Enamel rods can be remineralized by fluoride and minerals in your saliva. Acid comes from many sources including food and sugar. When the bacteria in your mouth digests your food or drink, they leave behind an acid in their place. Soda pop is twice as bad. Not only do sodas contain high amounts of sugar but they also contain acid. Next time you pick up a can of Coke®, check out the label. You will find phosphoric acid, the same acid dentists use to etch away the enamel on your teeth. Weak spots due to soda pop may also cause teeth to be sensitive to sugar, hot foods and drinks, and cold food and drinks. If the weak spot is left unchecked, a cavity may form, necessitating a filling. If the decay is allowed to spread, it may penetrate the root and enter the pulp (nerve) chamber, causing an abscess and requiring root canal treatment.
Tooth decay often begins on the biting surfaces, between the teeth, and on the exposed root. Untreated, the cavity becomes larger. Decay spreads beneath the enamel and can destroy the tooth structure. Decay enters the infected pulp and an abscess may occur.