There is no single cause of tooth wear, but this problem can appear due to a variety of them. The fact that the teeth wear out over the years can be more or less normal within the process of deterioration of the body that takes place when we move towards advanced ages, but if this wear occurs in earlier stages, it is convenient to find the cause and apply the corresponding treatment.
Let’s see, therefore, what are the most frequent reasons for the wear of dental pieces. We can point out three main causes that explain dental wear:
1. Erosion
The first is erosion. The high presence of acids in certain drinks such as fruit juices or soft drinks causes the dental surface to deteriorate due to their chemical action. This same case can also occur in people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux problems.
2. Attrition
Another reason is what is known as attrition. Attrition consists of the gradual loss of the hard surface of the teeth as a result of chewing or grinding against each other, something that, for example, happens among those who suffer from bruxism.
3. Abrasion
And finally, another reason for dental enamel to be compromised, and that is not related to the previous ones, is abrasion. Abrasion can be caused by an incorrect position of the teeth that cause them to rub against each other, but also by an incorrect brushing technique or by using the teeth aggressively regularly (uncovering bottles, holding metal artefacts with the teeth, etc.). Etc.).
Preventing dental wear is especially important since enamel does not regenerate once wear has occurred. Therefore, what is appropriate is to act at the level of prevention.
Prevention Of Tooth Wear
Of course, the best way to prevent tooth wear is to avoid the behaviors that cause it. Consequently, minimizing the consumption of soft drinks and juices with high acidity levels, using non-abrasive kinds of toothpaste, brushing correctly and avoiding using the teeth for high-impact operations are the best prevention formulas.
In the case of people who suffer from a bruxism problem, what is advised is to use a discharge splint when going to sleep.
Although by putting these actions into practice, it is most likely that we can satisfactorily prevent dental wear, it is not necessary to stop visiting the dentist at least twice a year so that he can evaluate the general condition of the teeth and can apply a corrective treatment. If it detects wear on the dental pieces.
Treatment If There Is Already Tooth Wear
Treatment of dental wear is essential once its existence has been detected, since if this is not done, the problem will most likely worsen. It is not strange that what at first can be considered slight wear ends up evolving and altering dental sensitivity or affecting the nerve over time.
The alternatives available to the dentist are several, and you will need to evaluate the degree of wear to decide which is the most appropriate. You can opt for a reconstruction with filling material, or for the placement of veneers or dental crowns.
If it is determined that the ideal solution is a filler material, there are different possibilities: glass ionomer, ceramic, composite resin or zirconium, this solution being minimally invasive and offering a very natural appearance.
If the teeth located in the front are the most affected by wear, the specialist will likely suggest the use of veneers, which are usually made of porcelain and aesthetically are a great alternative.
When the wear has been due to attrition, the best treatment consists of orthodontics. The dental malposition’s will then be solved and with it the problem of wear.
A Proper Diagnosis Is Essential To Explain Why Teeth Wear
As can be seen, it is necessary to have an adequate diagnosis of the reasons that cause dental wear to apply the corrective treatment that solves it. The expert opinion of the dentist is what will help to successfully correct the problem.