Did you know you can do damage to your teeth by brushing too hard or grinding your teeth?
What is tooth wear? Tooth wear is wear of teeth that is considered worse or more advanced than what is expected normal wear when correlated with the age of the patient. Tooth wear never occurs in isolation. Usually, multiple factors or causes are involved. There are 4 types of wear:
Acid Erosion
High Acid Diet (soft drinks, wine, citrus foods) or from stomach acid regurgitation can cause the teeth to soften and dissolve away.
Abrasion
Wear associated with very heavy tooth brushing or abrasive toothpastes. Such brushing motions, most commonly hurts the necks of the teeth causing extreme sensitivity.
Attrition
Wearing down of teeth from tooth grinding.
Abfraction
Chipping away of the necks of the teeth from excessive grinding and clenching.
Restore and rejuvenate your smile
As teeth wear, they will start thinning out, develop chips in enamel, become jagged and start feeling very sharp. Prevention or early detection/ management of tooth wear is always better than rehabilitation. The more the teeth wear down, the more complex and extensive the treatment gets.
Rehabilitation of tooth wear is undertaken by:
First, an in-depth assessment of the teeth, the type of wear, dental records and impressions are required for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning. Then the dentist works on patient awareness and education on tooth wear. Finally, advanced restorative techniques like veneers, crowns, bridges, implants and dentures are used to rehabilitate the teeth.
The results of treatment
The aim of rehabilitation is to restore the function, speech and aesthetics of the teeth so the teeth can be returned to their normal for age appearance or if desired a much younger youthful smile.
Tooth wear, if not treated in a timely manner can proceed to a stage where there is no tooth left except root stumps. We encourage you to visit Dr Anand to get an in-depth assessment of how things are holding up and what you could possibly do to fix this recurring problem
FAQs
Rehabilitative dentistry, also known as restorative dentistry, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring and improving the function, health, and appearance of a patient’s teeth, gums, and oral structures that have been affected by disease, trauma, congenital conditions, or natural wear and tear. This field encompasses a wide range of treatments and procedures aimed at repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth, as well as addressing issues like misalignment, bite problems, and oral health concerns. Common rehabilitative dentistry procedures include dental fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, dentures, root canal therapy, orthodontics, and periodontal (gum) treatments. The ultimate goal of rehabilitative dentistry is to enhance a patient’s oral health, restore proper function, and achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Yes, worn teeth can often be restored through various dental procedures tailored to the extent and cause of the wear. Options include dental bonding for minor wear, dental crowns for more extensive wear and weakened teeth, veneers for aesthetic improvements and protection, dental fillings for cavities resulting from wear, orthodontics to correct alignment and bite issues, night guards for teeth grinding prevention, and in severe cases, full mouth reconstruction. Consulting with a dental specialist allows for an assessment of your specific needs, enabling the development of a personalised treatment plan to restore worn teeth, enhance function, and improve both oral health and appearance.
The treatment for dental wear, such as tooth erosion, varies depending on its cause and severity. Preventive measures, including identifying and addressing the root cause, dietary changes, and protective measures, are essential to halt further wear. Professional treatments like fluoride applications can strengthen enamel, while dental bonding, crowns, or veneers may be used to restore the appearance and function of worn teeth. Dental fillings can repair damaged areas, and orthodontic treatment may be recommended for wear due to misalignment or bite issues. In severe cases, a full mouth reconstruction may be necessary, involving a comprehensive plan to restore the entire mouth. Timely intervention and regular dental check-ups are crucial for effective treatment and the maintenance of oral health.
Teeth become worn down due to various factors, commonly including bruxism or teeth grinding, consumption of acidic foods and drinks, improper bite alignment, age-related wear, abrasive toothbrushing, chewing on hard objects, dental conditions like TMJ disorders, genetic influences, parafunctional habits, and certain medications. The interplay of these factors can lead to the gradual erosion of tooth enamel and changes in tooth structure. Identifying the specific causes is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan, which may involve addressing underlying issues, preventive measures, and restorative dental procedures to preserve tooth health and functionality. Regular dental check-ups play a vital role in early detection and management of tooth wear.
To determine if your teeth are worn down, look out for signs such as increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet substances, flattened or chipped teeth, changes in tooth appearance, heightened tooth pain, visible wear lines, rough or uneven tooth edges, alterations in bite alignment, frequent headaches or jaw pain, indentations on the tongue or cheek, and grinding sounds during sleep. If you observe any of these indicators, it is advisable to seek a dental examination. A dentist can assess the extent of wear, identify contributing factors, and recommend appropriate treatments or preventive measures, emphasizing the importance of regular dental check-ups for early detection and intervention to maintain optimal oral health.
Yes, there are health risks associated with worn down teeth. Worn teeth can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, making it uncomfortable to consume hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. The loss of enamel can also make teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. Furthermore, worn down teeth may affect the overall functionality of the bite, leading to difficulties in chewing and potentially causing jaw pain or muscle discomfort. In severe cases, worn down teeth can contribute to changes in facial appearance and speech. It’s crucial to address worn down teeth promptly to prevent further complications and maintain optimal oral health. Regular dental check-ups can help identify and address any signs of wear early on, allowing for appropriate intervention.