To describe the process whereby bacteria on the teeth metabolize carbohydrates producing tooth-damaging acids is used the term tooth (or dental) decay. It is a tooth demineralization process that occurs when a tooth is exposed to an acidic environment of pH 5.5 and below. The primary food source for cariogenic (cavity-causing) bacteria is dietary sugars.Suggestion is to brush and floss promptly after eating so to insure that dental plaque is not present on your teeth.