Understanding and Treating Tooth Wear at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan
With proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime, but some amount of wear as we age is normal. By “wear,” we mean the loss of tooth structure, starting with the hard, translucent enamel that forms the outer covering of teeth. In more serious cases, wear can progress to the softer inner tooth structure known as dentin.
Enamel is the human body’s hardest substance, highly resistant to wear and chemical attack. However, it can wear down for various reasons. When tooth wear becomes significant, intervention may be necessary to keep your bite functioning properly and protect your teeth. Your dentist in Lansing, Michigan, can identify the type and cause of wear.
Types of Tooth Wear
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Abrasion: This is caused by the interaction of teeth and other materials rubbing or scraping against them. The most common source is traumatic toothbrushing (using a brush that’s too hard or applying too much force). Other causes include improper use of floss, certain dental appliances (like partial dentures), abrasive foods (sunflower seeds, nuts), or habits such as nail-biting and pen-chewing.
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Attrition: This is an effect of tooth-to-tooth contact from biting and chewing. While normal forces are between 13–23 pounds, people who have clenching and grinding habits (bruxism) can subject their teeth to forces up to 10 times that, severely damaging the teeth.
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Erosion: This occurs when your teeth come in contact with acidic substances in your diet, which dissolve the enamel. Common culprits include sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and certain fruit juices. To help prevent this, confine these drinks to mealtimes and swish water in your mouth afterward.
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Abfraction: This refers specifically to the loss of tooth enamel at the necks of the teeth (the thinner part right at the gum line). While the cause is debated, it is believed to be caused by tooth flexion from intense biting forces. Abrasion and erosion can also contribute to this problem.
Treating Worn Teeth at Schaefer Dental Group
To treat worn teeth, the cause of the wear must first be determined during a simple oral examination. Once the cause is identified, the stresses on your teeth can be reduced:
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Habit Modification: You may receive instruction on gentle, effective tooth brushing techniques or dietary changes.
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Nightguard Therapy: If you have a clenching or grinding habit, a custom-made mouthguard can be fabricated to protect your teeth during sleep or periods of high stress.
Lost tooth structure often needs to be replaced to ensure your bite functions properly and your teeth look great. Depending on the situation, this can be done with bonding, veneers, or crowns. Fortunately, modern dentistry at Schaefer Dental Group can restore the normal shape, appearance, and function of worn teeth beautifully and successfully!