If your enamel is discolored, looks thinner, or is suddenly sensitive to temperature changes, those are some signs of teeth wear. Teeth wear causes discomfort, and you become overly picky about eating due to the pain and sensitivity.
Understanding the potential culprits is the first step to protecting your teeth from wear. Learn about some of the most common causes of teeth wear.
Abrasion
Certainly, brushing your teeth is critical for good oral hygiene. However, poor brushing habits will usually do your teeth more harm than good.
For example, over-brushing or too much pressure can degrade your enamel and make your teeth susceptible to wear. Additionally, you must be mindful of the type of toothbrush you use. Opt for a soft-bristled brush and use gentle strokes.
Aging
Aging causes teeth to wear for most people. Over the years, your teeth become susceptible to wear as you age due to extensive chewing and teeth grinding.
Nonetheless, while aging is a natural process, you can take some measures to slow down teeth wear. For example, hydrate as much as possible, especially if you are on medication. Also, smokers must quit before damage is done. And most importantly, visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
Acid Erosion
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can harm the enamel. The acid in these foods and beverages eats away at your enamel to cause erosion, increasing the chances of teeth wearing.
The secret to protecting your teeth from acid erosion is to stay away from acidic things altogether. If you cannot completely give up on the foods and drinks, rinse your mouth immediately after consumption. When drinking acidic beverages, you can also use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Furthermore, don't brush your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Brushing motion spreads the acid and increases the damage to your enamel.
Besides acidic foods and drinks, your teeth may be prone to acid erosion if you suffer from acid reflux. This condition causes stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus and into your mouth and may erode your teeth.
Luckily, acid reflux is treatable, so if you suspect you have it, visit your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding puts too much pressure on your teeth and wears them out too soon. Bruxism can be due to stress, anxiety, or improper teeth positioning.
To avoid grinding your teeth, practice good stress management techniques to help reduce tension. If you mostly grind your teeth while sleeping, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Biting Hard Objects
Biting your nails and hard objects like ice and bottle tops can damage your teeth. Your enamel is designed to protect the surface of your teeth, but it has a pressure limit it can withstand before cracking.
Biting hard objects puts immense pressure on your enamel, which, in turn, causes the outer layer to crack and wear away. Therefore, if you always bite your nails when stressed or idle, look for other distractions to keep your hands busy.
Now that you understand the possible causes of tooth wear, you can make necessary lifestyle adjustments to protect your teeth from wearing. However, if the damage is already done, dentures are handy to prevent further wear and maintain the correct bite.
You can trust us at Affordable Denture Center to provide a quality set of dentures to help you maintain your teeth' natural shape and alignment. Our team is highly skilled in customizing dentures to fit your mouth perfectly and give you the desired look and feel.
Contact us for a consultation.
