Addressing Severe Dental Wear: Solutions and Prevention

Teeth get regular wear and tear on a daily basis, however, in some cases, they can become severely worn and eroded. Significant tooth erosion (the degeneration and loss of tooth surface) can occur for many reasons including:

• Malocclusion (bite problems)

• Jawbone deterioration and tooth migration

• Bruxism (clenching and grinding the teeth)

• Chewing on hard objects

• Poor diet and oral hygiene

• Stomach Issues

• Dry mouth

• Certain medications

• Brushing too hard

• Genetic disorders

If your teeth are becoming excessively worn or eroded, then you might notice some discoloration, chipped teeth, broken teeth, rough or jagged edges on teeth, pitted dental surfaces, and/or tooth sensitivity. As teeth become increasingly worn, they can also become painful or infected. Left unaddressed, tooth erosion can eventually lead to the loss of teeth.  

How to Prevent Dental Wear and Tooth Erosion

As is the case with most health concerns, prevention is usually best. Tooth erosion can be prevented with a variety of strategies. The preventative tools and treatments that are right for you depend on the underlying cause of tooth erosion.

In addition to addressing any medical-related causes such as stomach issues or medication side effects, preventative strategies include:

• Wearing a mouthguard and/or nightguard

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water

• Not chewing on hard objects or ice

• Getting professional fluoride treatments

• Dental sealants

• Eating a healthy diet and limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks

• Rinsing with water after meals and snacks

• Waiting 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth

• Chewing sugar-free gum after meals

In addition to these preventative measures, practicing good oral hygiene by brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily can also help to protect your tooth enamel. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings, examinations, and professional fluoride treatments.  

Treating Dental Wear with Restorative Dental Treatments

While preventative strategies can help to protect your teeth, excessive wear and dental erosion can still sometimes occur. In these instances, our dental office offers a variety of restorative dental treatments that can help restore the form, function, beauty, and health of your smile while helping to protect your teeth from further damage.  

• Dental Bonding - Composite resin dental bonding (the same material used in tooth-colored dental fillings) can be used to seal chipped or worn teeth while also restoring the shape of a tooth.  

• Dental Crowns - When significant damage, decay, and infection have occurred, a dental crown can strengthen and protect a natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction.

• Inlays or Onlays - Porcelain restorations, inlays and onlays can be used to restore and seal a tooth with significant damage or very large cavities.

• Dental Veneers - While dental veneers don't offer much protection to the teeth, they can improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth that have been damaged by dental erosion.  

The restorative dental treatment that is best for you will depend on your specific needs and the extent of the damage that is present. Our dentists can help you determine the right treatment plan.  

Tooth Enamel Protection and Comprehensive Restorative Dentistry at Starbody Dental

If you suspect your tooth enamel might be excessively worn and eroded, we encourage you to visit Starbody Dental right away. Our dentists can examine your mouth, take dental X-rays to evaluate the true extent of damage, and work with you to determine the best treatment approach to restore your teeth and prevent further damage from occurring.  

To learn more about restorative dentistry or to request an appointment, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Murfreesboro, TN today.

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