Understanding the Common Causes of Worn Teeth: Bruxism, Abrasion & Erosion

Posted on May 24, 2012

One of the most common causes for worn teeth is bruxism. Bruxism refers to tooth grinding or jaw clenching, especially during sleep, which wears down your enamel at an accelerated rate. You may have bruxism and not be aware of it, so contact Downtown Dental for an appointment and we’ll let you know if your teeth are showing signs of bruxism and what you can do if that’s the case.

Abrasion is another common cause of worn teeth. Simply put, abrasion describes tooth enamel that is worn down by foreign objects in the mouth. Toothbrushes are the most common type of abrasive objects. If you brush your teeth too vigorously, you risk wearing down your enamel too much. Chewing pens or fingernails can cause teeth to lose enamel fast as well, as can an oral piercing or tongue ring.

Erosion is the third common cause of worn teeth. Erosion is caused by any substance that dissolves the enamel. Citric acid is the number one eroding agent of tooth enamel, but if you or a loved one has made a habit of purging, the gastric acids in your stomach can also dissolve your enamel.

At Downtown Dental in Vancouver, we offer several dental solutions for your worn teeth, but it’s our policy to work with you to address the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Take care of your teeth and contact Downtown Dental today for an appointment.