Teeth are able to last a long time, but over the years, different conditions can cause the outer layer of the teeth to wear off.
With age, it typically happens; however, some habits and conditions can make it happen more quickly. They can change the way your teeth look and work.
We will understand what tooth wear means, examine its main types, and talk about some common reasons for it and how to address the issues. Whether your concern includes abrasion of teeth, erosion, or a strange sensitivity, this guide will tell you what to watch out for.
What is Tooth Wear?
When teeth wear down, it happens due to something other than decay or accident. It usually is the result of gradual damage to the enamel, the hard covering of your teeth and it can sometimes also damage the underlying dentin.
Most people notice tooth wear only when they see symptoms such as pain, a dull appearance, or fractures. Knowing the type of wear helps you treat it correctly.
Different Types of Tooth Wear
Experts usually categorize tooth wear into four main categories, and each type is caused differently and managed differently. These are:
- Tooth Abrasion
- Attrition
- Erosion
- Abfraction
1. Abrasion of Teeth
Tooth abrasion occurs when things from outside or personal habits cause pressure and eventually wear on the teeth. Dental patients often have this form of abrasion close to the gums because it affects the tooth surfaces along the gum line.
What leads to tooth abrasion?
- Scrubbing your teeth too hard using a stiff toothbrush
- Brushing your teeth with abrasive products (mostly whitening ones)
- Cutting your nails with a tooth or biting them often
- Biting or chewing on hard items such as pens or caps
Signs:
- More pain when enjoying hot, cold, or sweet foods
- When enamel is made weaker and thinner
Abrasion in Dentistry: Treatment Options
- Make a switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Learning better ways to brush
- Fluoride treatments are designed to make your enamel stronger.
- Dental bonding or composite fillings are used to repair worn-out tooth areas
2. Attrition
This condition develops after a person’s teeth touch repeatedly over the years, mostly because of constant grinding or clenching. Most often, the biting surfaces of the teeth wear down when dental attrition occurs.
Reasons for Attrition:
- Gridding happens while we sleep, frequently because of stress or sleep disorders.
- Constantly holding onto tension during the day
- Teeth that are not correctly aligned
Signs:
- Chewing surfaces that are uneven because they are too low or polished
- Sensitive to the temperature of food or drinks
- When teeth become shorter than normal
- Damages in the form of cracks or chips
Attrition Treatment Options:
- Using a nightguard to stop yourself from grinding your teeth
- Stress may be addressed through therapy or different relaxation practices
- Orthodontic care at SmileOn will help you to correct how the teeth in an upper or lower jaw are aligned
- Crowns are placed to bring back the structure of a damaged tooth.
3. Erosion
Erosion to your teeth is a result of acid exposure which comes from food, not from the bacteria in your mouth.
Why Erosion Occurs?
You might be consuming acidic foods and drinks such as soda and citrus fruits.
Signs:
- Yellow teeth
- The enamel becomes thin
- Increased sensitivity
Erosion Treatment Options:
- Cut back on drinks that are acidic and use a straw to drink them.
- Follow an acid exposure with a quick rinse of your mouth with water
- Looking after acid reflux or health problems that lead to vomiting
- Treatment with fluoride varnish or second-line remineralizing products
- Veneers or crowns treatment at SmileOn can be used for badly worn teeth.
4. Abfraction
Abfraction is the name given to small wedge-shaped notches found at the gum-line caused by stress or flexing. It looks much the same as tooth abrasion, but it arises from internal tooth forces and not from rubbing.
What Leads to Abfraction?
- Forcing the jaw shut, which puts pressure near the gum line
- Problems with misaligned bites
Signs:
- Gum margin, V-shaped notches
- Tooth sensitivity
- There is a recession of gum tissue close to the affected tooth.
Abfraction Treatment Options:
- Adjusting the way your upper and lower teeth contact
- Wearing a nightguard to relieve tension from over grinding your teeth
- Dental filling procedures to seal the defects in your tooth
- For the especially bad cases of dental misalignment, orthodontic procedures are necessary.
Why It’s Important to Visit a Dentist?
They say, If Found Sooner, It Gets Better
Although tooth wear may appear small at the start, it could cause problems when you neglect to treat it.
- A greater chance of developing cavities
- You can get infections
- Cosmetic issues
- Dental expenses that cost a lot
Regular dental appointments at SmileOn help find problems early. Your dentist can pick up on even the earliest signs of damage and provide advice or treatments to look after your teeth.
What To Do to Protect Your Teeth
You can use these tips to stop your teeth from wearing too quickly:
- Choose one with soft bristles and handle it gently when you brush.
- If you grind your teeth at night, put on your mouthguard.
- Be aware of eating and drinking less acidic substances.
- After you eat anything acidic, remember to rinse with water.
- Regularly visit your dentist, as they will help and advise you promptly.
Final Thoughts
Being able to spot different types of tooth wear helps you protect your oral hygiene. If your teeth have changed their shape or if they cause you more sensitivity, visit your dentist. Your dentist will explain the issue, whether it’s abrasion of teeth or erosion, and choose the best way to treat it.
Your teeth are constantly working every single day. Simple care for your teeth supports their good health and attractiveness over many years.
Do Your Teeth Need Help?
Talk with a dentist at SmileOn today and get the support you need to improve your smile.
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