It is important to understand what tooth decay is, in order to minimize your risk of having tooth decay.  Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Tooth decay can be a problem for children, teens and adults no one is immune to it.

When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can break down. This is when cavities can form.

Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. It is common for people over age 50 to have tooth-root decay.

You can however prevent tooth decay at any age by having good at home dental care habits and by visiting a dentist twice a year or however often advised by your dentist.