Tooth Wear Concerns

Tooth wear is the loss of tooth structure, loss of the tooth enamel, and possible loss of the dentin (softer inner tooth structure). 

The body has a way of compensating for minor tooth wear, but excessive wear may need intervention to prevent problems with the teeth and function of the mouth. 

Tooth wear can be caused by many different factors. 

• Abrasion:  Rubbing or scraping of the tooth enamel such as using a toothbrush that is too hard.  Retainers and dentures can rub the teeth, and habits such as biting nails and chewing on pens can damage the tooth enamel. 

• Attrition:  Teeth contacting each other such as grinding and clenching (called bruxism).  Bruxism may be unconscious and can cause up to 10 times the normal biting and chewing forces.  These forces can cause a lot of damage over time. 

• Erosion:  Acids in foods and drinks or even from chronic acid reflux can erode the tooth enamel.  Limiting highly acidic and sugary foods and drinks can help prevent erosion. 

• Abfraction:  Excessive biting forces, abrasion, and erosion are thought to contribute to abfraction but the exact cause is unclear.  Abfraction is enamel loss at the “neck” of the teeth (at the gum line). 

Dr. Tom B. Curtis can help you learn to relieve the stress on your teeth to slow the progression of tooth wear.