Over time your teeth can become worn or eroded. This means that the hard exterior enamel has worn away, leaving the sensitive insides exposed to damage and bacteria.

Your teeth might become worn due to issues like bruxism, where you grind your teeth in your sleep, or because you have a high sugar or acid diet. Worn teeth can be an issue for a number of reasons, not the least of which are tooth decay and pain.

What is dental enamel?

Your dental enamel is the hard, white outer shell of your teeth. The enamel gives your teeth its natural white colour and protects them from harsh elements such as heat and cold.

The problem with dental enamel is that it cannot be replenished naturally. Once it’s gone, your body doesn’t make more. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your existing enamel with a strong oral health routine.

Sometimes enamel can be repaired by a dentist, but in most cases, a tooth with weakened or absent enamel will need to be capped with a crown to prevent infection and to restore an even bite.

Signs of worn teeth

You might not notice if your teeth are becoming worn. It’s something that generally happens slowly over time, and you’ll probably adjust to the feeling and texture of your teeth as they change. 

However, one thing you might become aware of is heightened pain or discomfort resulting from worn teeth, or a similar ‘unusual’ feeling – that is, a feeling that wasn’t there before but is now.

The following are common signs your teeth might be worn:

• Increased sensitivity to cold and hot foods

• Sensitivity to sweet and acidic foods

• Discolouration (enamel is naturally white, but the tooth beneath is more yellow)

• New indentations appear on the biting surface of your teeth

• You’ve suffered from prolonged bruxism (teeth grinding)

• You drink a lot of sugary and acidic drinks (soft drinks, energy drinks, alcohol).

Causes of worn teeth

Your teeth can become worn due to a broad number of different factors, a lot of which can be managed at home or addressed by a dentist.

For example, tooth erosion may occur as a result of abrasion, but is also often made worse by acid. Acid softens enamel, making it more susceptible to abrasion and wearing.

Below are some common contributors to enamel erosion:

• Acidic food and drinks (sweets, soft drinks, energy drinks, alcohol)

• Frequent vomiting, especially if followed by brushing your teeth

• Some medications

• Not drinking enough water (water can wash excess acid out of the mouth)

• Overbrushing, brushing too hard

• Bruxism.

When to see a dentist

If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above, consider visiting your dentist as soon as possible. If the sensitive dentine below your enamel becomes exposed, it’s much easier for bacteria to reach the core or pulp of your teeth and cause an infection, which can quickly lead to a dead tooth.

For help, call us here at Kowhai Dental on 09 430 0707 or book an appointment online. We’ll help to diagnose your problem and outline your options for treatment.

What to expect during the consultation

At a dental checkup, we’re going to want to know more about your symptoms, although we’ll take a look to see for ourselves. That said, hearing about your issues in your own words can be very helpful, so ahead of your appointment, we would encourage you to think about some of these questions:

• Are your teeth sensitive to hot, cold or sugary foods? How long have they been sensitive?

• Are you aware of any other issues, such as bruxism?

• Are you currently, or have you recently been, pregnant?

• Have you been taking any medications?

• How much pressure do you use when brushing your teeth?

If your teeth have become worn, your dentist can outline some options to help you. These might include a night guard to prevent further wear from bruxism, a dental crown to replace the missing enamel, or the application of a fluoridated varnish to reduce sensitivity.