Stop Teeth from Wearing Down
Tooth where is common for patients and is often a natural result of every day where in tear and aging. Excessive truth we are however may cause you to notice that your teeth have flat edges, look darker, or are shifting. There are three main types of where that can affect the teeth including attrition, abrasion, and erosion.
Abrasion
Tooth wear by abrasion occurs by an external force, most often brushing too aggressively, brushing with 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.
To stop tooth wear by abrasion, it is important to understand how to properly brush your teeth and to only use a soft bristled toothbrush.
Attrition
Attrition is wear caused by tooth on tooth contact. Bruxism is the main cause of the attrition wear, bruxism being the unconscious clenching and/or grinding a lot of us doing our sleep. 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.
It can be hard to stop clenching or grinding your teeth but your dentist can provide you with a day guard or a 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 allows the muscles of your head, neck and shoulders to relax while you sleep.
Erosion
Erosion is a result of some type of acid washing 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 by modifying your diet and avoiding acidic foods and beverages. Internal erosion may take a visit to your general practitioner to determine a treatment plan.
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.
The wearing down of tooth structure can be a concern if it is left unattended. Untreated wear can lead to worsening of the wear and eventually cracked and fractured teeth. If you are concerned about tooth erosion and tooth where, speak with your dentist to see what treatment options might be best for you.