Causes of Wear on the Teeth

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in our body. Still, it is not immune to damage. It can become weakened from certain conditions and habits. Here is a look at some things that can harm your teeth.

Grinding and Clenching

Though we use our teeth to bite and chew, they are intended to bite together only for brief instances. Grinding or clenching exerts far more pressure on our teeth than they are designed to withstand. These behaviors, over time, can wear away our enamel. Teeth grinding most commonly occurs during sleep. If you have this condition, wear a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Chips or Fractures

A tooth can chip or break from an injury or from biting down on something hard. An old filling or crown can also weaken a tooth, making it more likely to fracture. Here are some tips for avoiding chips and fractures.

• Do not bite down on or chew hard objects such as ice, hard candies, pencils or fingernails.

• Do not use your teeth to open packages.

• If you have a cracked filling or crown, see a restorative dentist to have it replaced.

• If you play a sport, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth

Acid Erosion

Acidic foods and drinks can erode our enamel. In addition, sugary foods can also lead to acid erosion because bacteria in our mouths feed on the sugar and produce acid as a byproduct, which has the same erosion effect on our teeth as the acid in acidic foods. There are a few things you can do to minimize acid erosion.

• Limit sugary foods and drinks

• Limit snacks between meals

• Chew sugar-free gum after eating acidic foods to neutralize the acids

• Drink water after consuming acidic or sugary foods and drinks

Consult with our dentist about your dental restoration options.

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