There are bacteria in everyone’s mouths. This is normal. The bacteria, when mixed with food and proteins, form plaque on our teeth. When the bacteria in plaque are given sugars, they make acids which attack the teeth. If this is allowed to continue for a long time, a hole can form in the tooth. This hole is called a cavity and the process is dental decay. Sometimes these cavities may only be seen on dental x-rays. Dental decay should be addressed in its earliest stages. If left untreated, it can lead to root canals or the loss of the tooth.