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  Tooth
decay is one of the most common human diseases.
Plaque
bacteria produce acid, especially in the presence of sugar, which can cause
tooth decay.
Caries lesions are holes in the enamel caused by acid leaching of calcium
out of the enamel crystals (demineralisation).
That early loss of calcium is countered by the natural tendency of
saliva (that is calcium rich) to replace calcium in the enamel crystals.
THE STAGES OF TOOTH DECAY
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The first indication of tooth decay are white spots on the
enamel caused by the loss of calcium.
If the demineralisation process outruns the natural remaineralisation
process, the lesion grows and a cavity is formed. 
The
bacteria may invade the pulp of the tooth, 
causing a consistent tooth pain, especially during the night.
The
bacteria may also produce an adscess,
and eventually the tooth must be extracted by the dentist.