Every cavity starts small. When teeth are not properly cleaned with regular brushing and flossing, acidic foods can begin wearing down the protective enamel of your teeth. Once that protection is gone, the likelihood of getting a cavity increases as bacteria can more easily find its way into your teeth.
Dental fillings are used to treat cavities. When you get a filling, your dentist will first remove decay in your tooth. Once removed, your dentist shapes the space to prepare it for the filling. Using a variety of different materials, the tooth is repaired and your dentist will carefully shape the filling to fit naturally with your bite.