Simply brushing, drinking and grinding can damage your Teeth.
Posted on Thu, Oct 20, 2011 @ 05:39 AM
Tooth Wear is the loss of tooth surface, which is not caused by decay or by an injury. It can cause many dental problems, from tooth discoloration to sensitivity to more severe dental problems, such as indentions in the teeth, severe tooth sensitivity, and even cracked teeth.
Tooth wear can do severe damage to your teeth, but it can also be prevented. Since tooth wear can occur from several different factors, it's important to talk with our dentists at Redmond Molloy if you suspect that you might have tooth wear. We can also point you in the direction of dental products that are designed specifically to help prevent sensitivity caused by tooth erosion, abrasion or attrition. Solutions are generally really simple from a simple filling to a grinding splint all less than €150.
There are three categories of Tooth Wear:
o Erosion
o Abrasion
o Attrition
Early Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
Erosion is caused by excessive acid exposure on the teeth.( Wine,fizzy drinks, Cider, excessive fruit consumption)
Discoloration - The dentin (underlying tooth substance) of the tooth is exposed during tooth erosion, discoloration or yellowing of the teeth can occur. The more dentin that is exposed, the more yellow the teeth will become.
Tooth Sensitivity
Rounded Teeth
Transparent or Sand Blasted Appearance
Advanced and Severe Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
Cracking - The edges of the teeth can start to crack and crumble giving a rough feeling.
Dents
Extreme Sensitivity
Severe Acid Erosion
Abrasion
This is the wearing down of tooth surface caused by friction most commonly by tooth brushing.
o Occurs when teeth are brushed too forcefully usually with horizontal strokes.
o The use of a hard toothbrush and abrasive (smokers) toothpaste can also cause the problem.
o It is often evident on the outer surfaces of the back teeth.
o A wedge or V shaped indentation of the tooth will be seen at the gum margin
Attrition
Bruxism
It can take place during waking hours, but occurs more commonly while people are asleep.
The causes of Bruxism are considered to be stress, anxiety and the abnormal positioning of jaws and of teeth (malocclusion).
The effects of bruxism can be treated and made more comfortable, by the use of a nightguard.
Tips to prevent or minimise tooth wear:
After consuming acidic foods or beverages, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic foods or beverages to allow the teeth to remineralise after the acid exposure.
Cut back on fizzy drinks and try replacing them with water, milk or un-sweetened coffee and tea.
Remember Diet Coke is more acidic than regular Coke.
Swallow acidic liquids quickly instead of swishing them around or holding them in your mouth. Also the use of a straw minimizes the exposure of the teeth to acidic liquids.
Chewing sugar-free gum can help increase the saliva flow and reduce dry mouth, allowing for your teeth to remineralise.
Always use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride can help to reduce tooth sensitivity and strengthen teeth.
Wear a dentist supplied night time bruxing splint if you clench or grind your teeth.