Stop Teeth from Wearing Down
Everyday wear and tear that your teeth experience can cause some visible flattening of tooth surfaces but excessive tooth wear can result in very flat edges, shifting, and even darkening of the teeth. There are three main types of tooth wear that can affect the teeth which include attrition, abrasion, and erosion.
Wear by Abrasion
Tooth wear by abrasion occurs by an external force, most often brushing too aggressively, using a hard-bristle toothbrush, or brushing laterally along the teeth instead of in circular motions. Your dentist will be able to identify tooth wear from abrasion as it is typically evident on the outer surfaces of the back teeth where a wedge or V-shaped indentation of the tooth can be seen at the gum line.
It is important to understand how to properly brush your teeth and to only use a soft bristled toothbrush. Your dentist and hygienist can help you learn proper brushing technique and stop tooth wear.
Wear by Attrition
Attrition is wear caused by tooth on tooth contact. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding which a lot of us do in our sleep and is the main cause of attrition wear. Bruxism is often a side effect of stress so some people clench their teeth throughout the day as well; bruxism can also cause jaw and neck pain, and headaches.
Your dentist can provide you with a custom made day guard or night guard, or both if necessary. This is an appliance that fits over an entire arch of teeth like a retainer but is thicker and provides a nice buffer between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower arches. Using a night guard will help you wake up without jaw pain and without having ground your teeth all night. This gives the muscles of your head, neck and shoulders a way to relax while you sleep.
Wear by Erosion
Erosion is a result of some type of acid being repeatedly washed over the teeth. External erosion results from eating and drinking highly acidic foods and beverages. Internal erosion results exactly from stomach acids coming up and making contact with your teeth. This can be from gastric reflux or repeated vomiting, as with bulimia.
External erosion can easily be avoided simply by avoiding acidic foods and beverages. Internal erosion may take a visit to your general practitioner to determine a cause and treatment.
Early stages of tooth wear can often be repaired with dental bonding to build your tooth back up to its former shape. If wear has progressed beyond what can be repaired with bonding, dental crowns can be made to completely cover the surface of the tooth and strengthen your bite.
Tooth wear can become a big concern if it is left unattended. Untreated tooth wear can lead to worsening of the wear and eventually cracked and broken teeth. If you are concerned about tooth erosion and tooth wear, speak with your dentist to figure out the cause of your tooth wear and see what treatment option might be best for you.