Many factors cause the loss and endangerment of the health of the teeth, of which tooth wear is one of the most important. After tooth decay, abrasion is the most common cause of tooth structure destruction. But what is the difference between tooth wear and decay? What factors cause wear in the teeth? And how can they be controlled? If you are looking for answers to these questions, stay with us by continuing this article.
What is tooth wear?
Tooth wear is a state in which the tissue of our teeth is gradually destroyed due to various non-microbial factors. For example, tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth, is lost and the inner parts such as dentin are exposed.
What is the difference between tooth wear and tooth decay?
In tooth decay, destruction of tooth tissue occurs due to the activity of bacteria. Bacteria consume sugary substances inside the mouth and produce acid, and this acid dissolves tooth enamel. However, tooth wear is caused by injuries caused by eating hard foods, grinding teeth, bad habits (such as biting nails), improper toothbrush, etc.
Ptooth decay often leads to the creation of various white or brown spots, and in severe cases, tooth decay. But tooth wear leads to changes in the shape of teeth, fracture, smooth surface and other physical damages.
the most important factors causing tooth wear
Your teeth do not wear down by themselves, and only one of the following 10 causes will lead to wear and eventually tooth decay and loss:
- Acidic food and drinks
- Inappropriate toothpaste or toothbrush
- Chewing on hard objects
- Stomach acid (reflux, vomiting)
- grinding teeth
- Consumption of certain drugs
- reduction of saliva
- Sports drinks
- High chlorine in water (swimmers)
- dust and acid vapors (chemical industry workers)
the most common symptoms of tooth wear
Tooth wear can have several different symptoms depending on its cause and severity, the most common of which include the following:
- Change the color of the teeth to yellow
- Changing the shape of the teeth
- Smoothing the surface of the teeth
- shortening of teeth
- Teeth sensitivity
- Cracks or lip filling of teeth
The change in color is due to the loss of the top layer of the tooth (enamel) and the appearance of tooth dentin. With the loss of tooth enamel, the nerves of the tooth are easily stimulated by environmental factors (cold, heat, etc.). Teeth, lip filling and teeth shortening are more common in people who complications of tooth wear
If you do not take tooth wear seriously and do not treat it, you will suffer the following complications: Tooth wear should be treated as soon as it is diagnosed because over time its condition worsens and the treatment of tooth damage becomes more complicated and difficult. Treatment can prevent further damage, eliminate signs of tooth wear, and repair damaged tooth tissue if necessary. Home treatment of tooth wear is possible by reducing harmful behaviors and eliminating the causes of its occurrence. In severe cases, it is necessary to take medical treatment of this condition. Medical treatments for tooth wear begin with the diagnosis of an orthodontist. The first step is to diagnose jaw and dental abnormalities. In these cases, tooth wear is stopped with orthodontics and straightening the teeth. Then, dental defects can be covered with restorative methods such as composite, veneer or ceramic laminate. Dental veneers are also used to restore the appearance of teeth that are worn more than usual. In addition, after removing the cause of decay and repairing the wear, it is very necessary to take care to control the progress of tooth wear. In some people, tooth wear is due to the problems caused by teeth misalignment and misalignment. In these cases, orthodontic treatment and adjusting the contact of the teeth are needed. By adjusting the teeth and jaws, the risk of wear is greatly reduced. This type of treatment often includes changing individual mistakes in taking care of the teeth and modifying lifestyle, such as: modifying the diet (eliminating soft drinks, hard food, etc.), prescribing a night guard, treating gastric reflux, etc. There are several options for repairing teeth damaged by tooth wear. In choosing the type of treatment, things like the severity of the injury, the type of injury and the causative factor are considered. The treatment of tooth wear can include the following: Treatment of tooth wear with composite is relatively affordable and minimally invasive. In this treatment, tooth-colored resins are used and it can repair dents in the cervical region of the teeth and small lip protrusions. Veneer or laminate is placed on the teeth as a thin coating. This type of treatment is used to solve the cosmetic problems of the front teeth such as discoloration and shape changes. Veneers are more expensive than composites, but they are more durable. In cases where the damage caused by tooth wear is high, dental veneer is considered the best treatment option. In this type of treatment, the entire damaged tooth is covered with a ceramic or ceramic-metal cap. Dental veneers can solve both cosmetic problems and restore normal chewing function.
Methods of treatment of tooth wear
1-treatment of wear-and-wear with dental orthodontics
2-Treatment aimed to control the progress of tooth wear
3-treatment with the purpose of teeth-repair
