Revitalize Your Smile: Effective Solutions for Worn Teeth and Enamel Erosion

Enamel loss and worn-down teeth are increasingly common these days. They only affected older people in the past, but now they affect even young patients. Cotton Creek Dental understands tooth wear can affect your aesthetics and significantly impact your oral and systemic health. Do you have tooth erosion? Schedule an appointment today with Drs. David Brown and Jacob Jennings to restore your oral health.

What causes worn teeth?

Toothwear occurs because of a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. Here are the common causes of enamel erosion.

  • Attrition: Dental attrition refers to the gradual wear and tear on your teeth caused by regular biting and chewing. This natural process can result in the flattening or smoothing of the tooth’s surface, often seen on the biting edges. While some level of attrition is normal, excessive wear can be a sign of bruxism (teeth grinding) or other factors, including sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea often grind or clench their teeth during the night as they struggle to breathe, which can accelerate tooth wear. If left unchecked, this can lead to tooth sensitivity, discomfort, or further damage. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Brown or Dr. Jennings can help identify signs of attrition and any underlying issues, including sleep apnea, ensuring your smile stays healthy and protected.
  • Abrasion: Tooth abrasion refers to the loss of tooth structure caused by external factors, often due to physical wear or friction. This condition typically affects the surface of the teeth, leading to noticeable grooves or indentations, especially near the gum line. Common causes of enamel abrasion include aggressive brushing, improper brushing technique, chewing on non-food items, and even some toothpaste.
  • Erosion: Loss of tooth structure can result from acidic foods and drinks, acid reflux, bulimia, and other eating disorders. These acids soften the enamel, making it more prone to wear, dentin exposure, and hypersensitivity.
  • Natural aging: Your enamel thins naturally as you age, exposing the underlying structures.

What are the effects of dental wear?

Enamel erosion or dental wear can cause several aesthetic and oral health issues.

Some include:

  • Increased tooth sensitivity: As enamel wears away, it exposes the underlying dentin, causing heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, and/or sweet stimuli.
  • Higher risk of tooth decay: Losing protective enamel makes teeth more susceptible to decay-causing bacteria.
  • Increased risk of dental fractures: Thinning enamel weakens your tooth, increasing the risk of chipping or cracking under pressure.
  • Chewing difficulty: Severe tooth wear can compromise chewing efficiency, leading to muscle strain and discomfort during eating.
  • Altered bite alignment: Dental wear can change the shape of teeth, affecting how the upper and lower teeth come together (occlude). Bite misalignment may lead to jaw pain, headaches, and other TMJ-related symptoms.
  • Aesthetic changes: Worn-down teeth may appear shorter, flattened, or discolored, affecting the appearance of your smile.

What are the treatment options for enamel wear?

Treatment for enamel erosion depends on the severity of the problem. Here are the treatment options for worn teeth.

  • Prevention: The best way is to prevent enamel wear or its progression. Invest in a custom mouthguard to reduce the effects of teeth grinding and clenching. Also, limit the intake of sugary foods and brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and smooth, non-abrasive toothpaste.
  • Composite bonding: Mild chips and cracks can be treated by applying tooth-colored material to your teeth. Dental bonding takes a single visit and is minimally invasive. Composite bonding lasts several years, but touch-up treatments are necessary to keep your restoration in excellent condition.
  • Dental veneers: Dental veneers repair worn-down teeth by covering the front surface with thin, custom-made shells. Dental veneers repair the damage and prevent it from progressing.
  • Dental crowns: These tooth-shaped caps restore severely damaged teeth by providing full coverage. Dental crowns can last 10-20 years with proper care. In cases of severe tooth loss, it may be necessary to place a restorative and protective crown on every tooth.

Do you need treatment for your worn-down teeth?

Are your teeth showing signs of wear and tear? Cotton Creek Dental can help restore your worn-down teeth to their natural strength and beauty. Don’t let dental erosion compromise your oral health. Call (435) 673-4605 to learn more about treatment options from our office.