Worn Teeth – A Common And Uncomfortable Problem

There are different ways that the structure of the tooth can gradually be worn down. We look at the causes and potential solutions for our Ipswich patients.

If we break or even chip a tooth, we can usually see the damage, or feel it with our teeth. In this case, patients will hopefully call the dentist to make an appointment as soon as possible. Failing to do so could lead to further damage and more invasive dental surgery being needed. Not all dental problems are as visible though and we are going to take a look at one of those today.

Worn down teeth may not necessarily be obviously visible, but can cause some significant discomfort to those who have them. In addition to this, the teeth affected may be at a greater risk of problems like tooth decay and root canal infections for reasons that we will shortly see.

What happens when a tooth wears down?

The outer layer of a tooth is called the ‘enamel’. This is a protective layer which is very strong and helps to protect the inner part of the tooth which is more vulnerable to problems such as infections. While the enamel itself can chip or wear down without any initial harm to the teeth, once it becomes so eroded that the layer beneath it, known as ‘dentin’ becomes exposed, then more serious problems are likely. This is a porous area that allows bacteria to enter, often heralding the start of tooth decay and other issues.

How does it happen?

Enamel erosion can happen in a number of ways and one way is when the teeth rub against each other over a period of time. This can be due to incorrect positioning of the teeth which causes friction between the top and bottom rows, just one of the reasons why orthodontics should be considered if you do have crooked teeth. It can also happen if you have ‘bruxism’; that is when you grind your teeth together, often due to stress and often while we sleep. This can be difficult to control and can result in quite significant damage in a relatively short period of time.

Sadly, we have seen a significant number of patients over the last few years  at the Foxhall Dental Practice with this problem, and some of this is likely to be due to the consumption of acidic and carbonated soft drinks. The acidity in these drinks causes the enamel to wear down as the liquid passes over them. Avoiding this type of drink is really helpful but if you feel that you can’t do that, then drinking them through a straw can help to avoid contact with your teeth.

What problems can it cause?

We have already mentioned that eroded tooth enamel exposes the inner part of the tooth to problems like tooth decay and root canal infections, but these are not the only problems that can occur, although they are the most serious. One tell-tale sign that your tooth enamel might be compromised is if you feel a sharp pain or discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold food or drinks. Tooth sensitivity is a very likely experience if your enamel has been compromised.

From an aesthetic point of view, worn tooth enamel also creates a rough surface on the teeth. This means that foods or drinks that can stain teeth will do so more easily than if the surface of the tooth was smooth. People with enamel erosion then, are likely to notice that their teeth become discoloured quicker than those without.

Solutions for eroded tooth enamel

Your oral health programme to have healthy tooth enamel should really start before you notice any problems. A good home brushing and flossing routine (and minimising enamel damaging foods and drinks)  is a good start but you should also see our Ipswich dental hygienist every six months to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

For those who have been diagnosed with worn tooth enamel, one of the most effective solutions that we offer is the fitting of porcelain veneers to the front of the affected teeth.  These may require some dental work to be done on the teeth but do provide an excellent solution. If only one or two teeth are affected in this way (such as through misaligned teeth rubbing together), the veneer can be made in a shape and style that matches the rest of your teeth. Where your teeth in general have suffered in this way though, or if you are interested in a nicer looking smile, the veneers can be made in any shade that you want to help give you a great looking smile.

If you have noticed that the surface of your teeth feels rough, or if you have suffered from tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold food or drinks, it is time to do something about it. You can get moving with this by calling the Foxhall Dental Practice for an appointment so that we can assess next steps specific to your personal needs. Please call us today on 01473 258396.