Why Are My Teeth Wearing Down? Common Causes of Tooth Wear

Did you know that your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body? Unfortunately, it is not invincible. Over time, everyday habits and underlying conditions can gradually wear down your enamel, leading to significant damage. Dr. Sri and her team at Ateeth Dental Care take a holistic, conservative approach to identifying and addressing tooth wear before it leads to sensitivity, fractures, or the need for more extensive restorative care. We invite you to visit our Reston practice to experience the difference.

What Are the Main Types of Tooth Wear?

Tooth wear is the loss of tooth enamel due to various factors other than tooth decay or trauma. There are several main causes of worn teeth, including erosion, attrition, abrasion, and abfraction.

• Erosion: Erosion happens when you lose tooth enamel due to exposure to acidic foods or beverages, such as carbonated beverages and fruit juices. Acid reflux, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and low salivary flow rate are also risk factors for tooth enamel erosion.
• Attrition: Attrition is the progressive loss of tooth enamel caused by tooth-to-tooth contact, most commonly due to habitual teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. It tends to flatten the biting surfaces of your teeth, causing them to shorten gradually over time.
• Abrasion: This type of wear involves the loss of tooth structure due to friction from abrasive toothpaste, tongue jewelry, a hard-bristled toothbrush, or aggressive brushing. It typically shows up as notching near the gumline.
• Abfraction: Abfraction refers to wedge-shaped notches at the gumline that are often caused by stress on teeth from a misaligned bite or the forces of grinding and clenching rather than friction. It happens when the tooth bends under pressure, weakening the enamel at the gumline over time.

What Are Additional Risk Factors for Tooth Wear?

Additional causes of tooth wear include enamel that’s naturally thinner due to genetic or developmental factors, leaving teeth much more vulnerable to wear and damage. Certain medications can also expose the teeth to acids, including chewable vitamin C tablets and liquid iron supplements. Other medications, such as antihistamines or blood pressure medications, may cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can accelerate wear and increase the risk of erosion, sensitivity, and decay. If you take medications regularly and are experiencing sensitivity or wear, make sure you discuss your concerns with Dr. Sri.

How Does Tooth Wear Impact Your Smile?

Tooth wear is often a slow process that begins with subtle changes. You may first notice that the edges of your front teeth look slightly translucent, chipped, or uneven. As the protective enamel continues to thin, the darker, yellowish dentin layer underneath will begin to show through, gradually altering both the color and shape of your teeth.

Left untreated, the progressive loss of tooth enamel can lead to pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and a higher risk of tooth fracture. Tooth wear can even alter the alignment of your bite, leading to strain on the jaw joint and TMJ discomfort. Because these changes happen so quietly and gradually, it is important to keep up with your regular dental exams. If Dr. Sri detects any signs of wear, she will recommend prompt treatment, helping protect your smile and preventing further damage.

What Are Your Tooth Wear Treatment Options?

The right treatment will depend on the type of tooth wear, its extent, and the underlying causes. Dr. Sri always recommends the most conservative treatment options to safeguard your smile. These may include one or a combination of the following:

• Occlusal Guards: If you grind and clench your teeth in your sleep, a custom night guard can provide cushioning, helping safeguard your smile and preventing further wear or damage.
• Fluoride Treatments: Topical fluoride application can strengthen and remineralize weak, worn enamel, helping to slow the progression of erosion and reduce sensitivity.
• Clear Aligner Therapy: Addressing a misaligned bite with SureSmile or CandidPro clear aligners can reduce the uneven forces that increase the risk of attrition and abfraction over time.
• Restorative Dentistry: If your teeth have lost a significant amount of their structure, Dr. Sri may recommend composite bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns to rebuild their strength and restore their natural shape, strength, and function.

Tooth Wear Treatment Near Me in Reston, VA

At Ateeth Dental Care, we don’t just treat the symptom. Dr. Sri and her team look at the full picture, taking the time to understand your health history, your habits, and your lifestyle to identify what’s driving your tooth wear and address it at the source. We will create a personalized plan to protect your smile for the long term. We strive to provide you with care that goes above and beyond your expectations.

We invite you to call us at 571-446-4060 or visit us online to book an appointment today!