Tooth wear can occur over time and if not properly taken care of, can cause detrimental effects. Many things can cause teeth to wear quickly, so it is important to understand what these are and how to protect your dental health.
What causes tooth wear?
Tooth wear occurs due to erosion, attrition or abrasion. The good news is that three causes of tooth wear can be prevented. Here’s how they start:
- Erosion – Erosion occurs due to chemical or acid dissolution. This is often due to the overindulgence in carbonated beverages and fruit juice with high acid content. Erosion can also occur in those who suffer from acid reflux or an eating disorder.
- Attrition – Attrition can occur when someone grinds their teeth habitually or for long periods of time. This type of tooth wear often occurs in those with bruxism, who clench or grind their teeth in their sleep.
- Abrasion – Abrasion is caused by mechanical action other than tooth-to-tooth contact. This kind of tooth wear could occur due to improper brushing technique, or using your teeth as a tool, such as opening bottles.
How can tooth wear be prevented?
Tooth wear is not only bad for your dental health, it also requires a restoration process. The best thing to do is try to prevent further tooth wear by taking corrective action. Ways to prevent tooth wear include:
- Reduce the amount of carbonated drinks and high-acid fruit juices you consume
- Do not brush teeth directly after consuming something high in acid, but wait at least 20 minutes instead
- Wear a mouth guard while sleeping if you have bruxism
- Do not use your teeth as a tool to open items or hold objects
How We Can Help
At Pace Dental, our professional dental staff can help evaluate your teeth for any signs of wear and help you prevent more tooth erosion. We are also able to help restore your teeth so that you can enjoy a new, healthy smile. If you have any questions about tooth wear or would like to make an appointment, give us a call today at (703) 938-6800.