Sugar can cause tooth decay by being used as a food source for the bacteria found on our teeth, which causes plaque.

糖通过被那些存在我们牙齿的引起斑块的细菌作为一种食物来源，可以导致牙齿腐烂。

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When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.

牙斑没有清除就会导致蛀牙和牙龈疾病。

《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》

Sugar can cause tooth decay by being used as a food source for the bacteria found on our teeth which causes plaque.

糖通过被那些存在我们牙齿的引起斑块的细菌作为一种食物来源，可以导致牙齿腐烂。

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The conference also heard that good bacteria growing in dental plaque could help fight off bugs that cause gum disease and tooth decay if they are given a competitive edge.

BBC: Dental bacteria swap resistance