What is the difference between decay and wear?
When foods containing sugars or starches are eaten, the bacteria in the mouth (in plaque) convert these products to acids that can lead to dissolving of the tooth enamel. Over time, this can cause the enamel to break down and a cavity to form, which may require filling by a dentist. Whilst decay is a localised process (ie. it does not effect all of the teeth at one time), wear occurs across the whole tooth surface that has been exposed to acid. It does not involve bacteria or dietary sugars, but is the result of direct action of acids (either from food, drinks or the stomach e.g. due to sickness or regurgitation) on the tooth’s enamel surface.
