In dentistry, “wear” refers to the gradual loss of tooth structure over time. It’s a natural process that everyone experiences to some degree. Typically, dental wear manifests as the thinning of enamel—the hard, outer layer of our teeth—caused by everyday activities like eating, speaking, and brushing.
While minor wear is normal and expected, excessive or accelerated wear can compromise the enamel, exposing the underlying dentin leaving teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage. In severe cases, the rate of tooth structure loss increases significantly, with decades’ worth of wear potentially occurring in just a few years. This is a key reason why dental problems often become more prevalent as we grow older.
There are three main types of tooth wear:
- Attrition: Wear caused by tooth-to-tooth contact, such as clenching or grinding (bruxism).
- Erosion: Loss of enamel due to chemical action, often from acidic foods, drinks, or stomach acid (e.g., from acid reflux or vomiting).
- Abrasion: Wear caused by mechanical forces, such as aggressive toothbrushing or using abrasive toothpaste.
Why Is Tooth Wear a Concern?
While minor wear is natural with age, excessive tooth wear can lead to:
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Difficulty chewing
- Aesthetic changes, like shorter or flattened teeth
- Discoloration
- Cracks, chips, or further damage to the teeth
- Potential bite issues and jaw pain
If you notice these symptoms—or suspect nighttime teeth grinding—it’s essential to schedule a dental appointment promptly. Early action is crucial, as enamel cannot regenerate once it’s worn away.
To minimize tooth wear and protect your teeth from further damage, consider these preventive measures:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce mechanical wear.
- Choose non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Limit acidic foods and beverages.
- Wear a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
Treatment:
The treatment for tooth wear varies based on its severity and type. In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary if the wear isn’t causing symptoms or functional issues. However, if left unaddressed, tooth wear can progress, leading to problems like increased sensitivity or decay.
Restorative treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, can restore lost tooth structure and protect the remaining enamel from further damage. For minor wear or cosmetic concerns, dental bonding may be used to repair the affected areas.
In more severe cases of tooth wear, full-mouth rehabilitation may be required to restore bite and overall dental function. This comprehensive approach often involves a combination of restorative and cosmetic procedures, including crowns, bridges, implants, and sometimes orthodontics.
Contact our clinic “Dr Onisiforou – Art of Advanced Dentistry” for a consultation today at +357 25 586250 or fill the form on our contact page.