Treating Worn Down Teeth
Healthy teeth are covered by a thick layer of enamel, root cementum and gums. However, with the passage of time, a situation may arise where the gums begin to recede and the necks of the teeth begin to be exposed. As a result, the teeth are more sensitive to external stimuli.
Though your teeth can be worn down by poor dental hygiene and the bacteria in your mouth, the destruction of your teeth can occur without the influence of these microbes. Normal wear and tear due to aging and life happens regardless of your lifestyle and hygiene habits, but excessive wear and tear that does not correspond to your age is worth mentioning because it affects about a third of the population and many sufferers do not notice it at all in the beginning. Later, the problem manifests itself, for example, in increased sensitivity of the teeth, in extreme cases, when the defect reaches the dental pulp, even in the loss of the vitality of the teeth. Normal physiological wear in older teeth manifests itself, for example, in the misalignment of the biting surfaces on the teeth. Excessive wear of younger teeth can be caused by the innate lower quality of dental tissue, which we cannot influence, but also by external factors that can be influenced. There are two types of wear on teeth: abrasion and erosion. Erosion is chemical wear on our teeth from either the acids in our diet, or stomach acid. Abrasion is wear from a foreign element against a tooth- things such as toothbrushes.
Untreated tooth wear and decay will later manifest itself as pain and can lead to inflammation in the dental pulp. If the tooth is sensitive to the touch after filling or under the crown, it may be a symptom of nerve death when the nerve needs to be pulled out. In some cases, inflammation of the dental pulp - pulpitis - occurs as a result of a bacterial infection. The inflammation is initially manifested only by sensitivity to cold or warm stimuli, later by pain when tapping the tooth.
Treatment of tooth wear
Proper dental care plays a key role in treating tooth wear. There is no way to reverse tooth wear, and It is not easy to restore and ensure the long-term function and aesthetics of teeth affected by excessive wear. Because of this, it is important to practice preventative care first and foremost. It is recommended to use pastes with fluoride, which promotes enamel strength. The use of whitening pastes, which can contribute to excessive enamel weakening, should be avoided. The way you brush your teeth is also important.
It is also important to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, to avoid the mechanical breakdown of tooth enamel. If your teeth have become too worn down, your dentist might recommend ceramic veneers to replace lost enamel. Additionally, ceramic crowns and overlays can help restore the aesthetics and functions of worn-down teeth. Your dentist will also want to understand the root cause of the tooth wear, and if it is determined that it is due to the way you bite or chew, they can recommend corrective actions against these habits.