Every tooth starts out with a roughly 1.5mm layer of hard enamel tissue that protects the inside of the tooth. Throughout our lives, this enamel wears away naturally as a result of the aging process and normal, daily wear and tear. On average, people lose about 0.01mm of enamel annually, which means our natural enamel is thick enough to protect our teeth for a lifetime.
Unfortunately, some teeth undergo more wear and tear than normal as a result of incurring an excessive amount of wear and tear. Worn dentition occurs as a result of three types of excessive dental damage which include attrition (teeth-on-teeth friction), abrasion (teeth-on-foreign-objects friction), and erosion (chemical deterioration).
4 Common Causes of Worn Dentition
1. Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition that is characterized by the frequent clenching of the jaws or grinding of the teeth. Regular bruxism occurs while a person is awake, and sleep bruxism occurs while a person is asleep. Frequent clenching and grinding cause attrition of tooth enamel. Bruxism is best treated by protecting a patient’s teeth during sleep with a custom-designed night guard.
2. Gastric Reflux Disorders
Individuals who suffer from gastric reflux disorders not only suffer painful symptoms, but their teeth can suffer chemical erosion as a result of repeated exposure to stomach acids.
3. Acidic Foods
Frequently consuming highly acidic foods or beverages can also cause the chemical erosion of tooth enamel.
4. Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects or foods such as pens, pencils, or ice can result in the abrasion of the teeth that can wear away tooth enamel at a faster-than-normal rate.
Treatment for Worn Dentition in Orange, CA
Treatments for worn dentition include a combination of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services such as dental bonding, veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, and night guards.
At Dr. Christopher J. Fotinos Dr. Randy A. Rosales Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we offer a variety of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments that can help patients restore their teeth to their natural form and function (or better!). During an examination, our dentists can evaluate your teeth and provide you with a recommendation for a personalized treatment plan based on the level of wear and any other damage present on your teeth.
To learn more about restoring your teeth to their full form and function, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists today.
