Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, happens when the enamel — the hard, outer surface of your tooth — breaks down due to acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. These acids are the by-product of sugar interacting with plaque (a sticky film of bacteria).

When it comes to looking after your teeth, there’s a lot of advice out there—but not all of it is accurate. At Dental On Mahoe, we’re passionate about patient education, and part of that means helping you sort fact from fiction. Let’s bust five common dental myths that might be doing your smile more harm than good.