Do you already have a cap or crown on a tooth that was diagnosed with decay? If so, you're not alone. A crown restores damaged parts of your tooth that were fractured or suffered extensive decay, but the tooth can still rot out from under the crown. Immaculate daily oral hygiene is required in order to minimize your chances of getting decay under the crown. Decay is caused by a sticky film of invisible bacteria (called plaque) that covers every surface of your teeth. These bacteria convert sugars and starches into harmful acids. They thrive in the nooks and crannies of hard-to-clean places such as under the gumline at the edge of a crown. Everyone knows that acid is destructive and can disintegrate many substances. Tooth enamel is one of those substances. Repeated acid attacks (for example, when you drink cola) may cause the enamel to break down. As a tooth "dissolves", the bacteria work their way deeper and deeper into the tooth, and eventually cause a toothache or an abcess. There are measures you can take to avoid these problems. Remember to brush and floss your teeth everyday and limit your exposure to sweets. Check the out www.carifree.com for more info about decay. Visit your dental office for a checkup at least once a year, and have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year.