The irrevocable loss of tooth structure, which is at times painful, and impairs the function of teeth; is Tooth wear. Well, the damage can also be expensive and hard to repair. To put it in simple words, there are three types of tooth wear: abrasion, attrition, and erosion. It is often difficult to decide the type of tooth wear present as different types often occur together.
Suspecting tooth wear? Experiencing any other oral health issues? Connect your dentist immediately. Even if you do not have a dental problem, you must have an oral health exam and teeth cleaning every six months.
What Are the Different Types of Tooth Wear?
Abrasion: Physical wear of the teeth caused by something other than tooth to tooth contact such as inappropriate tooth brushing, repetitive use of a toothpick, or placing hairpins between the teeth.
Attrition: Loss of tooth structure because of the tooth to tooth contact, such as grinding of teeth.
Dental erosion: Dissolving of tooth enamel because of the presence of acids in the mouth.
Reasons for Toot Wear getting worse by Glendale Dentist
Increase in Acidic Drinks
The one thing that attacks enamel and tooth structure is acid. There are acids in soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, soda water, etc all soften the enamel. Lemon/lime in water to have acids.
Increase in Lifestyle Stress
If you are someone who is mentally and/or physically too active? Do you grind your teeth much more during sleep? The reflex that directs how much force we put on our teeth goes to sleep as well, allowing us to put massive pressure for up to 6-8 hrs per night.
Increase in Reflux
We are noticing more and more gastro-oesophageal reflux. If this also can happen more often at night. The effects can be disturbing as softened enamel is ground away for those sleep hours, and the patient is quite often uninformed.
What to Do about Severe Teeth Wear
In the early stages, detection of the early signs is essential. Subsequently, a review of diet, history of reflux and other acid exposures, and alteration to diet/lifestyle are important.
Treatment Options by Glendale Dentist
To revamp the damage done by tooth wear, Dr. Sahakyan your Dentist in Glendale, advises early treatment to mitigate damage and costs. For wear on the anterior and posterior teeth, the Dentist Glendale, says that he would normally use a tooth-colored composite that can be used to reinstate the teeth to their correct size and shape.
As per Glendale Dentist, the composite materials can also allow the treatment to be done in phases. The composites last for months. Most importantly, in some cases, it takes years and enables you to test drive the new look and feel of your teeth before more reinstatement is used like porcelain crowns.
Ways to minimize the risk of dental erosion
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Cut the amount of acidic and sugary foods and drinks
- Try to limit snacking
- Avoid caffeinated beverages
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid brushing immediately after eating or drinking acidic or sugary foods
It is important to keep in mind that any food or drink with a pH lower than five may cause tooth wear and tooth sensitivity.
Glendale Tooth Wear Treatment
If you infer that you are suffering from tooth wear and wish to know more about the causes and the various treatments available to you, call 818-578-2334 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sahakyan; Smile Makeover of LA today to discuss your options.