Repair Tooth Surface Wear or Loss in Chandler's Ford
Restore your smile with professional tooth surface repair at The Smiles Studio
When Does Tooth Wear occur?
When Does Tooth Wear occur?
Tooth wear can develop slowly over time and is often triggered by habits such as grinding or clenching teeth, especially during sleep or times of stress. Acidic foods and drinks also contribute, slowly wearing down enamel over time. Furthermore, teeth naturally wear down as part of the aging process, enduring years of use and exposure to different elements. Maintaining good oral hygiene and being mindful of these factors are crucial for reducing excessive tooth wear.
Factors contributing to tooth wear include:
- Dental injury
- Tooth decay
- Unsafe teeth whitening
- High acid and sugar diet
- Teeth grinding.
- Incorrect teeth brushing technique
Treatment for Dental Erosion
Treatment for Dental Erosion
Dental erosion can result from overuse of dental bleaching products or unsafe teeth whitening procedures conducted without dental supervision. Other factors include consuming high amounts of acidic and sugary foods like citrus fruits and fizzy drinks.
We aim to address dental erosion preventively and through dental restoration. By assessing a patient’s overall health, we can identify medical conditions that contribute to dental erosion. Referring patients for treatment of these medical conditions may help reduce dental erosion.
Patients can benefit from dietary guidance to achieve a balanced diet, which involves reducing acidic and sugary foods to minimize the risk of dental erosion. We might suggest chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and neutralize acid levels.
To repair teeth affected by dental erosion, patients are offered various tooth restoration treatment choices, such as:
- Composite fillings
- Dental crowns
- Inlays and onlays
Where dental erosion produces teeth cavities with dental pulp infection, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove infection from the root canal and prevent spread of infection.
Do You Have Any Tooth Wear Query?
Our clinic provides patients with information about tooth wear and screening. Get in touch with us by phone or email and we can book a consultation to assess your oral health.
Dental Abrasion
Dental Abrasion
Tooth abrasion occurs due to improper teeth brushing techniques, where the hard bristles of a toothbrush excessively wear down the outer layer of the tooth surface. Dentists offer guidance on correct brushing techniques to prevent dental abrasion.
Dental abrasion not only affects the teeth but also causes oral trauma to the gum tissue. It can lead to gum recession, exposing the inner dentin layer of teeth and tooth root surfaces. If untreated, dental abrasion can increase tooth sensitivity and raise the risk of developing oral diseases.
Prevention is better than cure and following recommended teeth brushing techniques helps to reduce dental abrasion. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush rather than a hard-bristled one, or using an electric toothbrush, lower the risk of dental abrasion and resulting oral trauma.
Where gums have receded dental composite may be used to fill the area if dentin is exposed. Dental composite fillings restore tooth structure, reduce tooth sensitivity and prevent tooth decay.
Some FAQs on Tooth Wear
1. What is Dental Attrition?
Bruxism, known in dentistry as teeth grinding, leads to tooth attrition, where the dental cusp surfaces flatten and expose the sensitive inner dentin layer. This can cause heightened tooth sensitivity and discomfort. Individuals affected by bruxism may grind their teeth both consciously and during sleep. If left untreated, tooth attrition can contribute to additional dental issues such as improper bite alignment and increased risk of oral infections. Therefore, addressing bruxism promptly is crucial for maintaining oral health.
2. How is Dental Attrition treated?
Common treatments for bruxism and to mitigate tooth attrition involve using a custom-fit night or mouth guard to prevent excessive tooth contact. Additionally, damaged teeth can be restored with dental treatments like crowns, onlays, inlays, and fillings.
Night or mouth guards are tailored to fit the individual’s teeth grinding habits and oral dimensions. Similarly, dental restorations are custom-designed to restore the unique dental structure and improve the appearance of teeth.
Without intervention, untreated teeth grinding can lead to significant dental damage and tooth attrition, potentially affecting existing dental restorations such as crowns and fillings. Using a night or mouth guard shields teeth from wear, enhances oral health, and reduces long-term dental care expenses.
3. How often should I get screened for Tooth Wear?
It’s advisable to have regular dental check-ups to screen for tooth wear. If any signs are detected, we can accurately diagnose the type and cause of tooth wear and suggest appropriate treatments.
Different types of tooth wear—dental erosion, dental abrasion, or dental attrition—call for specific dental procedures. It’s possible for individuals to experience one or more of these conditions affecting their teeth.
4. What is the diagnosis and Tooth Wear treatment process?
Individuals experiencing dental erosion due to a medical condition may require referral to a General Practitioner (GP) for appropriate treatment.
For those affected by bruxism and acid reflux, using a night or mouth guard may not be suitable as it can retain excess acid on tooth surfaces. Stress and anxiety, common triggers for bruxism, may necessitate both dental and medical intervention to manage anxiety levels effectively.
Treatment for tooth wear typically focuses on dental restoration and preventive measures to halt further deterioration. Our approach aims to conserve natural tooth structure and oral health through treatments such as composite fillings, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.
Educating patients about the causes of tooth wear and preventive measures empowers them to adopt lifestyle practices that promote overall well-being. This includes maintaining a balanced diet and using a soft-bristled toothbrush for effective oral hygiene.
