Worn Teeth and Tooth Erosion
Are your teeth worn ?
A large portion of the population have some degree of tooth wear yet they are unaware of it. Once teeth have become worn, the damage can continue if untreated.
How do I know if I have tooth wear ?
Often there are obvious signs of worn teeth, such as chipped teeth and changes in the tooth shape. Teeth can also appear yellower or darker in colour. There may be sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet. However sometimes the signs are not so obvious. These can be translucency or thinning of the edge of the front teeth, small dips in the biting surface of back teeth, or notches on the teeth near the gum line. Any of these signs indicate the protective outer enamel layer of the teeth has been damaged. Once the enamel has worn away it does not grow back.
What causes tooth wear ?
There are 3 main types of tooth wear – Erosion, Abrasion and Attrition. The outer hard enamel layer is worn away, and can lead to exposure of the inner softer dentine layer.
Erosion, sometimes known as Acid Wear, is commonly caused by acidic foods or drinks we consume in our diets, that dissolve away the tooth structure. A snacking culture along with demand for fresh fruit and juices/smoothies may have contributed to the increase in erosive tooth wear in recent times. In certain patients, acid reflux may also be a cause.
Abrasion is caused by an object rubbed against the tooth surface, such as a toothbrush when brushing too hard, or an abrasive toothpaste.
Attrition occurs where teeth rub against each other such as a habit of grinding or clenching teeth.
How can I protect my teeth from the effects of tooth wear ?
During your dental check up with us, we check for tooth wear and advise accordingly. Treatments may vary from a prevention approach to protect damaged teeth from further damage. Once the outer enamel layer has worn away the inner dentine layer wears away at a quicker rate because it’s softer than the enamel.
Worn teeth can often be repaired with modern adhesive dentistry using composite dental bonding. A comfortable and conservative treatment option which allows placement of a protective covering whilst avoiding drilling the tooth. The composite bonds to the underlying tooth structure. With composite dental bonding starting from £110 per tooth, it’s a cost effective way to protect teeth from further damage as well as improving your smile.
Custom made mouthguards are another affordable treatment option for protecting teeth from tooth wear. They are useful in situations where teeth have been worn due to a habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often known as Bruxism. At dentael, we provide custom made mouthguards at the affordable price from £120.
Before and after images of dental composite bonding to repair worn teeth
“ Fantastic experience, ensuring a quality job has been undertaken whilst also always making sure my comfort.
Excellent job ! ”
Homecare Tips to reduce your risks of having worn teeth and tooth erosion …
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks. If you are having them, try to limit the amount and frequency of them. Try to keep them to meal times.
- Avoid swishing fizzy drinks/ juices / smoothies inside your mouth.
- Avoid brushing your teeth after having acidic food or drink as the enamel is softer at this time.
- Brush your teeth using a soft/medium bristled toothbrush twice a day. Do not put too much pressure when brushing and avoid using an abrasive toothpaste.
- Use a daily fluoride alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Have regular dental checkups to keep your teeth healthy and looking good.
At Dentael, we aim to put you at ease so you can relax during your dental treatment. With years of professional experience, our dentist is a long standing member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.. If you have worn teeth, we help find solutions.
Excellent transport links and street free parking. So convenient for Ealing Greenford Perivale and the surrounding areas of Hanwell, Northolt, Southall, Wembley, Hounslow, Harrow, Hayes and beyond. Book your appointment and let us help you.
