Tooth Decay is caused by the presence of plaque, bacteria and sugar in the mouth. The bacterial plaque will combine with the sugar by ingesting it to produce acid. The acid produced will then attack the tooth and dissolve the structure. First, the acid will attack the hard outer enamel layer, beginning tooth decay process. This will continue until it reaches the softer dentine layer when pain and sensitivity will be felt. If the decay continues, it will eventually infect the tooth nerve when there will be full blown tooth ache, constant pain and sensitivity to hot and cold. The only options now left are to remove the tooth or carry out removal of the tooth nerve. Prevention is definitely better than the cure which usually involves the dreaded dentist’s drill! The first step is to reduce the consumption of refined sugar (sucrose) and acidic fizzy drinks. The second is to keep plaque at bay by efficiently brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day. Take two steps and you could keep your teeth for life.