Teeth are made up of three main parts. On the outside is a protective layer of enamel, the hardest substance in your body. Below that is a bone-like substance called dentine, which makes up the largest part of the tooth. Underneath the dentine, the tooth actually has a soft centre. This is called the pulp, and it houses all of the tooth’s blood vessels and nerve endings.
Tooth decay starts in the enamel, which has no feeling. But once it reaches the dentine, it's likely to cause a toothache. If decay ever spreads as far as the pulp, it can be incredibly painful. But by limiting your intake of sugary food and drink, brushing twice a day with a fluoride containing toothpaste, and with regular dentist visits, you should be able to prevent decay from becoming established.
Learn more about tooth decay and how you can prevent it
[LINK TO ARTICLE: Kids Dental Problems]