What it is:
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 the ability to properly chew and may also noticeably change the appearance of your smile.
THE THREE FACTORS THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED TO CAUSE TOOTH WEAR
BITE WEAR OR “ATTRITION”
- Teeth appear shorter or thinner
- Risk factors include:
- An unbalanced bite, where the teeth do not contact evenly on both sides
- An overly abrasive or coarse food diet
- Grinding of your teeth
TOOTHBRUSH ABRASION
- Notches appear in the side of the tooth near the gum line
- Risk factors include:
- Excessive pressure while brushing teeth or when using toothpicks
- Abrasive, stiff or “hard” toothbrushes with abrasive toothpaste
- Excessive brushing throughout the day with whitening toothpaste
ACID EROSION
- The biting surfaces of the teeth appear to be dished out or grooved
- Risk factors include:
- Environment: acidic places of work, swimming pools
- Diet: over consumption of sports drinks, soft drinks, citrus fruits and candy
- Chronic dry mouth: reduced or lack of necessary saliva
- Chronic vomiting: “GERD” (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), bulimia
Treatment:
REDUCING THE EFFECTS TOOTH WEAR
- Have your individual risk factors evaluated by Dr. Zaugg to customize and appropriate management process
- Diagnosis and treatment of unbalanced bite issues
- Applications of minerals such as fluoride to strengthen and harden damaged tooth surfaces
- Dietary counseling
- Use of a mouthguard or “bite appliance” to protect teeth from grinding
- Manage dry mouth with oral gels, mouth rinses, shewing gums with xylitol
- Treatment for chronic conditions of “GERD” and Bulimia
Things to Remember:
*Without correct treatment for the type of tooth wear a patient is diagnosed with can lead to changes in facial appearance (self-conscious, embarrassment), large and extensive restorations, exposure of the tooth’s nerve leading to root canal treatment, or loss of a tooth or teeth due to excessive damage.
