How does plaque cause cavities?

Dentists say to “brush twice a day” to prevent sticky plaque from building up on your teeth and raising the risk of cavities. But how does plaque cause cavities, exactly?

The link between plaque and tooth decay largely stems from how the bacteria in plaque interact with the foods we eat. However, factors such as a person’s age and whether they smoke or take certain medications can also play a role in plaque-driven tooth decay.