Dental caries, commonly known as cavities or black spots, are areas of damage to the tooth's surface caused by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in food and drinks, they release acids that can dissolve the minerals in the teeth, leading to the formation of cavities.
To treat cavities, dentists typically use a drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth. This process, known as drilling, is necessary to prevent the cavity from spreading further and causing more damage to the tooth. Once the decayed part of the tooth has been removed, the dentist will fill the cavity with a filling material, such as amalgam or composite resin, to restore the tooth's strength and function.