Stop Teeth from Wearing Down
If you are starting to get older and you have noticed that your body is starting to show signs of aging and wear, then you may have noticed your teeth don’t look the same as they used to either. Your teeth may be shorter, darker, more translucent, flatter, or uneven. These are all indications of both normal wear over time as well as pathological wear. The main kinds of pathological wear are abrasion, attrition, and erosion. Pathological wearing down of teeth can be prevented and treated, so be sure to talk to the dentist about your concerns during your next appointment.
The first kind of wear, abrasion, is a result of improper brushing. When you use a firm bristled tooth brush, the bristles will be too aggressive on the teeth. Additionally, this can be made worse by broad horizontal strokes while brushing. To check if your teeth show sign of abrasion, take a moment of feel the teeth towards the back of your mouth along the gum line. Worn teeth will have a v shape or valley where the bristles have left a dent over time.
The second kind of wear, attrition, is a result of clenching and grinding your teeth. People with bruxism are the most likely to have these signs of wear on their teeth. The teeth towards the back of your mouth will be flatter and the teeth towards the front of your mouth will be shorter. Most people with bruxism grind and clench their teeth in their sleep but some do it during their day as well. While it is important to treat the wear from this and prevent further damage with mouth guards or injections, it is crucial to treat the underlying cause of it. For most people, stress and anxiety are not managed properly when they are experiencing bruxism. There are nearly endless resources to address anxiety management or stress reduction so be sure to try to employ those suggestions.
The third kind of wear, erosion, is a result of acid eating away at the surface layer of the tooth. The source of acid could be from your diet or your own body. Acidic foods like citrus fruits are at the top of the list of causes for acid erosion on your teeth. The other source of acid in your diet comes from beverages. Drinks like sports drink and carbonated sodas introduce strong acids into your mouth. And even sparking water without sugar is still carbonated and harmful to your tooth’s enamel. The acid from your body, like that of the stomach, is too strong to leave your teeth undamaged.
If you take care to brush with a soft bristled brush, manage your stress, use the preventative measures for your teeth grinding, and choose the foods and drinks in your diet carefully, you can prevent any unnecessary or extra wearing (and the future placement of dental crowns). If you are concerned about the signs of wear you see in your mouth, take time to talk to the dentist about possible treatment options that would work for you.