Worn Teeth got you Down

Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

Worn down teeth can cause you to feel embarrassed about your smile. Plus, it can make you more susceptible to tooth decay, sensitivity, and creates a collapsed bite. If your teeth are worn badly enough, your collapsed bite may even lead to jaw joint pain, headaches or even migraines.

Several factors cause teeth to become worn down.

Here is a look at those factors, and what you can do about it to prevent further damage.

• Bruxism – Undoubtedly, our teeth undergo a lot of use, so it is natural that over time, teeth will become slightly worn. However, if you clench and grind your teeth, known as bruxism, you are adding extra wear and tear. You may not even be aware that you suffer from bruxism unless you see the telltale signs of it, worn teeth that look flat across the top surface.
• A custom-made bite guard can be worn while you sleep to prevent bruxism from damaging your teeth. For some patients, it may be necessary to wear their bite guard during the day.
• Erosion – Acidic beverages and foods can lead to tooth erosion. Over time, the acids begin to break down enamel, the outermost layer of our teeth. Once the layer is gone, the dentin layer is exposed, which can cause tooth sensitivity and is likely to decay quicker. 
• To avoid erosion of your tooth enamel, consider avoiding highly acidic foods and beverages. If you must consume them, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water, which helps remove residual acids left in the mouth. Better yet, just brush your teeth afterward. 
• Abstraction – A word that means wear along the gum, usually on teeth that are alongside the cheeks. Abstraction can occur from brushing incorrectly, brushing too hard or with a brush that is too rough or even using abrasive toothpaste that is not recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Some dental experts believe that abstraction can also be caused by stress to the teeth from biting.
• To avoid damage caused by abstraction, be sure that you understand the correct way to brush your teeth and gums.

If years of wear and tear have left your teeth looking less than satisfactory, then Hamilton Dental Care can improve your smile. We can conveniently reverse the signs of bruxism, acid erosion, or receded gums by restoring your teeth with any number of our cosmetic dental services including dental crowns, veneers, or tooth-colored fillings. During your consultation with us at Hamilton Dental Care, we will assess your need for a new and improved smile when recommending the best course of action.

If you have any questions about maintaining your oral health or preventive measures against tooth decay, call the office of Hamilton Dental Care at (570) 387-0533 and schedule your consultation today.

Hamilton Dental Care is here to serve patients in the communities of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA.