A healthy, confident smile is a byproduct of being healthy. But sometimes even with the best oral care routine, changes occur in your teeth, perhaps new sensitivity or dullness. These changes are confusing. Are they a response to bacteria or something else?
There are two ways in which teeth may get damaged: tooth erosion and tooth decay. While both damage the enamel, the root cause thereof is different. Being aware of this allows you to save your smile. Knowing whether you have tooth erosion or tooth decay helps you prevent and treat it effectively.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria. It is something that can occur to anyone with plaque, a soft layer of bacteria, on their teeth. When you consume sugary and starchy foods and drinks, the bacteria break down the leftovers and produce acids. The acids dissolve the enamel and leave tiny pits. These pits get bigger and bigger, and cavities develop. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 90% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have experienced a cavity, and this reveals just how prevalent this problem is.
The Silent Culprit
This is an ongoing process. Oftentimes, a cavity develops without symptoms or pain. By the time you feel sensitivity or pain in a tooth, the decay has likely reached inside the tooth. Routine dental hygiene follow-ups with your dentist can help you identify these early signs of decay before they become more of a concern.
What is Tooth Erosion?
Tooth erosion, on the other hand, is a chemical process that does not involve any bacteria. It’s the gradual wearing down of your tooth enamel due to acid. This acid comes from two places: intrinsic (within your body, i.e., stomach acid due to acid reflux) or extrinsic (from acidic foods and drinks). When your teeth come into contact with too much acidity, the enamel dissolves and easily gets washed away with chewing or brushing.
The Acid Attack
Drinks and foods like soda, fruit juices, sports drinks, and citrus fruits are the common culprits. The sugar in soda can cause decay, but it’s all the extra acidity that causes erosion. Even healthy-looking drinks, like lemon water, are highly acidic. It’s not just what you drink, but also how you take care of your oral health on a day-to-day basis.
The distinction between tooth erosion and tooth decay is important for treatment. Decay is treated by removing the infected portion of the tooth and filling it, while erosion is treated by stopping enamel loss and preserving what you have. Failure to pay attention to the difference could lead to a bigger problem. If you have erosion of the enamel and are applying toothpaste for sensitivity because of decay, you might not be addressing the underlying problem.
Tips for a Healthy Smile
- Pay Attention to Your Diet: Limit the intake of highly acidic foods and drinks. When you consume them, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acidity.
- Use the Right Oral Tools: You should use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride hardens enamel, which makes it stronger and less susceptible to acid attacks and decay.
- Wait Before Brushing: If you have just consumed something acidic, wait for a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes before you brush your teeth. Your enamel has been softened, and brushing too soon will do more damage.
If you are concerned with the health of your enamel or would like to know more about protecting your smile, schedule a consultation with us. We value you and will provide you with the most attention.
