What is Tooth Wear?
Tooth wear is the loss of healthy structure for reasons other than decay. Although no cavities are present, teeth become shorter and often thinner over time. Tooth wear may decrease proper chewing ability and may also noticeably change the appearance of your smile.
What causes Tooth Wear?
Tooth wear is not normal. Three causes for tooth wear have been identified:
Acid erosion which appears as grooving or dishing of the biting surface of your teeth. Bite wear which appears as shortening or thinning of your teeth. Tooth cleaning abrasion which appears as notching near the gum line of your teeth.
What can I do to minimize my risk of future Tooth Wear?
The first step in addressing tooth wear is to have your dentist evaluate your individual risk factors and customize an appropriate management protocol for you. Your tooth wear management protocol may include:
Diagnosing and managing chronic dry mouth
Diagnosing and treating conditions related to chronic vomiting and GERD
Customized dietary counseling
Diagnosing and treating an unbalanced bite
Making a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding
Mineral applications to your teeth such as fluoride to harden the notched surfaces
Customized home dental care instruction
What will happen if I choose to do nothing about my Tooth Wear?
Other than impacting the way you look, untreated tooth wear may lead to the nerve of your tooth being exposed. When this occurs, the affected tooth will require root canal treatment to save it. If tooth wear remains untreated, it can lead to the tooth becoming damaged to the extent it must be removed.
