The causes of tooth wear

There are 3 causes of tooth wear - attrition, abrasion, and erosion.

ATTRITION 

Attrition is caused by the constant grinding of teeth against each other, wearing down the enamel. It's particularly prevalent in those who suffer from bruxism, a condition where people clench or grind their teeth (usually during sleep). Clenching and grinding is extremely common due to our stressful lives.

ABRASION

Abrasion is the result of excessive tooth brushing using the incorrect technique or using a toothbrush with hard bristles. It can also be caused by biting on hard objects, like pens or fingernails.

EROSION

Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel due to the presence of acids. These acids can come from external sources like fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, and even wine!

They can also be a result of internal factors like acid reflux or frequent vomiting.

TOOTH WEAR SOLUTIONS

FOR DENTAL ATTRITION: A MOUTH GUARD TO THE RESCUE! ️

If you suffer from bruxism, a custom-made mouth guard will protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, giving your enamel a well-deserved break.

FOR DENTAL ABRASION: THE GENTLE APPROACH ‍

Choose a toothbrush with medium bristles and adopt a gentle brushing technique. Better still, use an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor so that you can be confident about knowing when you are brushing too hard.  Also, avoid biting on hard objects or using them to open packages.

FOR DENTAL EROSION: ACID-PROOF YOUR TEETH ‍

To combat erosion, try these simple yet effective strategies:

1. Limit acidic food and drink intake.

2. Use a straw for drinks like fizzy beverages or fruit juices.

3. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic food or drinks.

4. Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralise acids.

And remember, prevention is always better than cure, so start implementing these solutions today to keep tooth wear at bay. Please contact us on 01530 510533 to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment.