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Tooth decay is caused by certain types of bacteria (mutans streptococci and lactobacilli) that live in your mouth. When they attach themselves to the teeth and multiply in dental plaque, they can do damage. The bacteria feed on what you eat, especially sugars (including fruit sugars) and cooked starch (bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc.). Within just a few minutes after you eat, or drink, the bacteria begin producing acids as a by-product of their digesting your food. Those acids can penetrate into the hard substance of the tooth and dissolve some of the minerals (calcium and phosphate). If the acid attacks are infrequent and of short duration, your saliva can help to repair the damage by neutralizing the acids and supplying minerals and fluo- ride that can replace those lost from the tooth. However, if: 1) your mouth is dry 2) you have many of these bacteria 3) you snack frequently then the tooth mineral lost by attacks of acids is too great, and cannot be repaired. This is the start of tooth decay and leads to cavities. http://www.sandquistdds.com/index.php/dental/smilebytes/how_does_tooth_decay_happen/