Many of us have already experienced most of the cavities during our lifetime, but take heart; a resource box is essential to educate yourself and understand what causes these problems so that your family can avoid them in the future. A cavity can also be referred to as tooth decay, and it is often created by bad habits. Much of this has to do with factors such as the amount of fluoride in your toothpaste, the way you care for your teeth, your diet, and other habits like smoking. Genetics can also impact the quality of your teeth and their susceptibility to decay. Cavities are the most common dental issue affecting both children and adults. A familiar type of cavity is the coronal cavity, which usually occurs on the surfaces of adult and children's teeth. This cavity can be found on the front and back of the teeth and on chewing surfaces. Root cavities often happen with age as gums recede, exposing more of the tooth to decay due to the lack of enamel protection. Another type of cavity can form around fillings and crowns in your mouth, known as recurrent decay. These areas can harbor plaque, leading to long-term tooth decay. Many adults at risk for cavities suffer from dry mouth, a condition caused by a lack of saliva due to medications, chemotherapy, or radiation. This may be a temporary or permanent problem. If a cavity is not properly cared for and treated, it may lead to the breakdown of the tooth due to nerve damage. An infected tooth may become abscessed, requiring treatment such as extraction or root canal therapy. Only your dentist can determine if you have a cavity, as they often form beneath the tooth's surface and are not easily visible. Biting into starchy and sugary foods can cause particles to combine with bacteria in your mouth, producing acids that start to break down the enamel underneath the tooth's surface. This issue leads to underlying problems within the tooth where cavities tend to form. Cavities often appear in the pits of the back teeth, between the front and back teeth, and along the gum line. Regardless of where a cavity forms, it is crucial to address and treat them through a dental appointment. The best way to prevent cavities is by caring for your teeth daily. This can be done by brushing and flossing twice a day to remove plaque buildup between the teeth and along the gum line.