110 Why Are My Teeth Wearing Down.docx

Why Are My Teeth Wearing Down?

You may have recently visited the dentist and were told your teeth have worn down. Or you may simply be concerned that your teeth are wearing. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to understand why teeth wear down to stop the process or avoid it entirely.

Why Are My Teeth Wearing Down?

There are a few reasons why your teeth may be wearing down. These include:

Bruxism

One very common reason for teeth wearing down is bruxism. Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of teeth. While it can happen during the day, bruxism often occurs at night. Because of this, many don’t even realize it’s happening until it’s too late.

Abrasion

While it is very important to brush your teeth, you want to make sure you aren’t brushing them too hard. If this is the case, abrasion can occur. The friction can actually wear away the surfaces of your teeth.

Erosion

If you are eating and drinking foods and beverages that have a high acid content, you may end up wearing away the calcium in your teeth. The damage caused is tooth erosion, which can become very serious.

Can My Worn Down Teeth Be Fixed?

There are ways to cosmetically repair worn down teeth. Keep in mind these repairs won’t grow back your teeth, they are only cosmetic.

* Veneers. Veneers are tooth prosthetics that are generally made from composite materials or porcelain. These restorations are used to replace a portion of the tooth and are a good option when damage is too severe for dental bonding but not bad enough that an entire dental crown needs to be placed.
* Dental Bonding. Dental bonding involves a tooth being repaired with the placement of composite resin. This option is for minor repairs and can be placed without removing any of the healthy tooth of the patient.
* Tooth Reshaping. Reshaping does not involve the placement of any sort of prosthetic. Instead, the teeth are reshaped to create a natural curve.

Your dentist will take a look at your worn teeth and let you know what the best option is for the repair of your worn down teeth.

How to Avoid Worn Down Teeth

There are a few things you can do to avoid worn down teeth. The first thing you’ll want to do is look for signs of bruxism. These signs include:

* Sore Jaw
* Difficulty sleeping
* Headaches
* Face and shoulder pain
* Earaches

Along with looking out for signs of bruxism, you’ll also want to ensure you aren’t brushing too hard and you are avoiding foods and beverages with a lot of acids. These tips will help to ensure your teeth stay healthy.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you are concerned about your teeth wearing down, set an appointment with your dentist. They will take a look and let you know if your teeth are, in fact, wearing down. They will also check during your regularly scheduled exam. If you don’t have an appointment in the books for your next cleaning and checkup, schedule one today.