Tooth wear is a loss of structure by a means that doesn’t involve bacteria or tooth decay. There are three common causes of tooth wear.
- Dental Abrasion
Abrasion of the teeth occurs when a foreign body places pressure onto them. This might be caused by chewing on hard foods, excessive brushing, or biting ice cubes. - Dental Attrition
Dental attrition occurs when your teeth wear against other teeth. This is commonly caused by grinding your teeth, often at night during sleep. - Dental Erosion
This is the most common cause of tooth wear and is generally a result of excessive acid that dissolves the structure of the teeth. Frequent and excessive consumption of acidic beverages is the primary cause and can result from juice, soda and alcohol. It can also result from stomach acid coming into contact with the teeth.
Tooth wear is quite common and it tends to increase with age. Our teeth will experience normal wear and tear as we get older, and a recent study found that about 67% of people had some level of wear that involved wearing down of the enamel. In this same study, it was determined that 11% of people surveyed had moderate levels of tooth wear, while 1% had severe tooth wear in which the nerve of a tooth had been exposed.
The treatment for tooth wear will depend on the type and how bad the problem has been allowed to get. Preventative dentistry is the most important factor, but you should also be sure to see your dentist regularly to look for the signs of tooth wear. Early diagnosis could reduce the need for future restorative dentistry procedures.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from tooth wear contact your dentist for an appointment.
About Thomas Gonzales, D.D.S.
Thomas Gonzales D.D.S. is a Los Angeles dentist with advanced training in dental implants. He has 45 years’ experience and is licensed in IV Sedation. Dr. Gonzales has taught courses worldwide on dental implants for Noris Medical, Neodent, Nobel, LVI Global, and Dental Implant Institute. He was a professor of IV Sedation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and a neuromuscular dentistry instructor for Loma Linda Medical Center. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Gonzales is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran.
