Many people may confuse tooth decay and dental erosion because both conditions affect teeth health and can damage tooth structure. However, tooth decay and dental erosion have different causes, mechanisms, and prevention methods. Understanding this difference will help you take care of and prevent these problems more effectively. Berry Dent will introduce you to tooth decay and dental erosion, so you can take care of your teeth effectively.
Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)
Tooth decay is a disease caused by the destruction of tooth structure, mainly caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acid to destroy enamel. When the enamel is destroyed, it creates small holes on the tooth surface, which are the beginning of tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay will spread to the dentin and pulp, causing tooth sensitivity, pain, and possible infection.
Main Causes of Tooth Decay
- Bacteria: Bacteria in the mouth, especially Streptococcus mutans, use sugar from food and drinks to produce acid.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Eating sugary foods and drinks increases the amount of sugar in the mouth, allowing bacteria to produce more acid.
- Poor Oral Care: Not brushing or flossing allows plaque to accumulate on the tooth surface, allowing bacteria to produce more acid.
- Low Saliva: Saliva plays an important role in cleaning the mouth and reducing acidity. People with low saliva are at greater risk of tooth decay.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
- Early Stage: May not have any symptoms.
- Middle Stage: Tooth sensitivity when exposed to heat, cold, or sweets.
- Severe Stage: Toothache, holes on the tooth surface, and possible swelling of the gums.
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion is a condition in which the enamel is destroyed by acid not caused by bacteria. These acids weaken the enamel and destroy it, making the teeth thinner and possibly causing tooth sensitivity.
Main Causes of Dental Erosion
- Acidic Foods and Drinks: Eating acidic foods and drinks such as soda, fruit juice, tea, coffee, and citrus fruits destroys the enamel.
- Stomach Acid: Acid reflux or frequent vomiting causes stomach acid to flow back into the mouth, destroying the enamel.
- Acidic Saliva: In some people, saliva may be highly acidic, which may be caused by certain diseases or medications.
Symptoms of Dental Erosion
- Tooth sensitivity occurs when exposed to heat, cold, or sour foods.
- Teeth appear thinner and may be yellow.
- Edges of teeth appear transparent.
- Front teeth appear notched.
Key Differences Between Tooth Decay and Dental Erosion
| Characteristic | Tooth Decay | Dental Erosion |
| Main Cause | Bacteria produce acid from sugar | Acid not caused by bacteria (e.g., acid from food, drinks, or acid reflux) |
| Mechanism | Bacteria create acid that destroys enamel, creating holes | Acid corrodes enamel, making it thinner |
| Visible Signs | Holes on the tooth surface | Teeth appear thinner, edges appear transparent, front teeth appear notched |
| Main Prevention | Reduce sugar intake, brush and floss regularly | Reduce intake of acidic foods and drinks, manage acid reflux |
How to Prevent Tooth Decay and Dental Erosion
- Maintain Good Oral Health: Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks: Reduce consumption of candy, sweets, soda, fruit juice, tea, coffee, and citrus fruits.
- Rinse with Water: After eating and drinking sugary and acidic foods and drinks, rinse with water to help reduce the amount of acid in the mouth.
- Use a Straw: When drinking acidic drinks, use a straw to reduce contact with the teeth.
- Wait at Least 30 Minutes Before Brushing: After eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to allow the enamel to return to normal.
- Manage Acid Reflux: If you have acid reflux, consult a doctor for treatment.
- See a Dentist Regularly: See a dentist for regular check-ups every 6 months.
Taking good care of your teeth health starts with understanding the difference between tooth decay and dental erosion and following the prevention tips regularly for strong and beautiful teeth for a long time. Don’t forget to choose Berry Dent hybrid herbal toothpaste, which contains natural ingredients and 1500 ppm fluoride, to gently and effectively care for your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and various oral problems.