Tooth Wear
Tooth wear is a common dental problem that affects millions of people around the globe. It is the progressive “wearing away” of a tooth’s surface due to causes that are unrelated to tooth decay or trauma. Although teeth wear naturally as you age, accelerated tooth wear can become an unpleasant dental problem. At Red Bank Smiles, we offer a variety of dental treatments that can help repair worn teeth and enhance your smile.
Types of Tooth Wear
1. Erosion
Erosion is caused by acids in drinks, food and other substances that break down the enamel on your teeth. Consuming carbonated drinks, juices, citrus fruits and other acidic foods and beverages can cause enamel to wear away, which may lead to tooth pain, sensitivity and discoloration. Other causes of erosion include acid reflux disease (GERD), bulimia and dry mouth. Erosion is often treated with tooth bonding or dental veneers.
2. Attrition
Attrition is caused by tooth-to-tooth contact, and is often caused by teeth grinding and clenching, which is also known as bruxism. This condition can damage and wear away the biting surface of your teeth and cause tooth sensitivity, headaches, jaw pain, and chipped or broken teeth. To treat this type of tooth wear, our cosmetic dentist can create a custom-made mouth guard that protects your teeth from wear and breakage. Although many people only grind their teeth at night, this special mouth guard can be worn at any time of the day.
3. Abrasion
Dental abrasion occurs when a foreign object causes friction against your teeth; gradually wearing away the enamel. It is often caused by using a hard toothbrush or abrasive toothpaste and/or brushing too vigorously. Tongue piercings, ill-fitting dentures or retainers, and chewing on foreign objects such as pencils or toothpicks also can cause abrasion. Signs of abrasion include small v-shaped notches near the gums and increased tooth sensitivity. To prevent abrasion, always brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid chewing on foreign objects or biting your nails. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and tips on how to properly brush your teeth can help you stop abrasion before it starts.
Contact Our Cosmetic Dentist in Red Bank, NJ
To learn more about tooth wear prevention and treatment, call 732-741-1052 or contact us online at Red Bank Smiles to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist today. We look forward to serving all of your dental care needs.
