What is plaque and tooth decay?

Plaque is a creamy, sticky coating of germs (bacteria) that collect on everybodys teeth every day. The germs wont harm you, but they can harm your teeth. Tooth decay is caused by acid from the bacteria (plaque acids), which can cause a hole (cavity) in the enamel of your tooth. Tooth decay may make your tooth ache. If this happens you need to see a dentist, who may have to clean the hole and put a filling in the tooth to repair it. ... more