What is tooth wear?

Tooth wear is the loss of hard tooth tissue (enamel and dentin) due to mechanical, chemical or other physiological factors, not related to tooth decay or trauma. This is a gradual process but can cause serious consequences if not detected and treated early.

Classification of tooth wear

  • Mechanical wear (Attrition): Due to the phenomenon of teeth grinding against each other when chewing or grinding teeth.
  • Chemical wear (Erosion): Due to contact with acid from food, drinks or gastric reflux.
  • Mechanical wear due to brushing (Abrasion): Due to brushing incorrectly, using a toothbrush that is too hard or toothpaste with high abrasiveness.
  • Combined wear: The combination of many of the above factors together at.

Causes of wear teeth

  • Habit of grinding teethwhile sleeping or when stressed
  • Eating/drinking a lot of acidic foods: lemon juice, soda, vinegar…
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Incorrect oral hygiene: brushing teeth too hard, using a hard toothbrush
  • Bad habits: biting pens, opening bottle caps with teeth

Symptoms of tooth wear

  • Teeth are sensitivewhen eating hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • Teeth are shortened, the biting edge is worn thin and fragile
  • More yellow teeth due to exposed dentin
  • Cracked enamel, rough tooth edges
  • Sensitive teeth when brushing teeth or breathing through the mouth

Consequences of tooth wear if left untreated

  • Increased risk of tooth fracture, early tooth loss
  • Causesocclusion disorders, affecting facial aesthetics
  • Loss of ability to chew normally, affecting digestion
  • Jaw muscle pain, headache due to misaligned bite
  • Psychological impact: lack of confidence in communication

Tooth wear treatment method at Lux Smile

1. Conservative treatment (when mild – moderate wear)

a. Non-invasive restoration with Composite

The doctor will reconstruct the worn tooth with composite material that has the same color as real teeth.
Applicable for worn tooth necks, chewing surfaces, mild sensitivity.
Advantages: fast, painless, moderate cost, does not invade the original tooth
Disadvantages: lifespan is about 5-10 years, requires regular check-ups.

b. Use fluoride or anti-sensitivity fillings

For mild sensitivity that does not require filling.
Apply fluoride or anti-sensitivity cream to remineralize tooth enamel, reduce sensitivity.
Can be combined with specialized toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

2. Tooth restoration (when severely worn)

a. Porcelain crowns

The doctor will reconstruct and prepare the tooth and then make a porcelain crown to cover the outside.
Applicable to teeth that are heavily worn, broken, or severely discolored.
Helps restore shape – function – aesthetics.
Should use all-ceramic materials

b. Porcelain Veneer/Onlay/Overlay

This technique is less invasive to the original tooth and safer than porcelain crowns
Requires a doctor specializing in adhesive restorations
Suitable for molars with worn chewing surfaces but the original tooth still has a lot of tooth tissue

3. Root canal treatment (if the damage is deep to the pulp)

When the tooth is worn down to the point of severe pain and pulpitis.
The doctor must clean the inflamed pulp, fill the root canal and cover it with porcelain.
If not treated promptly, the tooth may have to be extracted, leading to tooth loss

4. Wear an anti-bruxism splint (if you have bruxism)

A transparent plastic splint, worn at night.
Helps reduce tooth wear due to unconscious teeth grinding.
Needs to be combined with psychological monitoring and stress reduction.

5. Occlusal correction or full jaw restoration (severe)

When the entire jaw is worn down, the bite is lost → orthodontics or full restoration is needed.
It may be necessary to combine several methods: Dental restoration + orthodontics + occlusal restoration.

  • Commit to natural beauty, long-lasting beauty.
  • Commit to absolute safety in every process.
  • Commit to sterile process, protect oral health.

Tooth wear treatment process at Lux Smile

 

Examination – Detailed diagnosis:

  • Take X-rays, scan tooth samples to assess the level of wear.

Consult treatment options:

  • Depending on each patient’s condition, the appropriate solution will be personalized appropriate.

Treat the cause:

  • If due to teeth grinding: make an anti-grinding splint.
  • If due to acid: advise on diet, treat reflux.

Restore lost tooth tissue:

  • Aesthetic fillings or specialized ceramic restorations.

Monitor and maintain:

  • Regular check-ups to check and prevent recurrence.
  • Brush your teeth properly: soft-bristled brush, gentle action
  • Limit acidic foods, drink water with a straw if necessary
  • Treat stress, limit teeth grinding at night
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth sensitivity
  • Wear an anti-grinding splint if indicated
  • Dental check-up every 6 months
  • Avoid foods that are too sour/sweet/hot/cold.
  • Use a soft toothbrush and specialized toothpaste.
  • Dental examination every 6 months.
  • Limit stress and treat if you grind your teeth.
  • Commitment to accurately diagnose the cause of tooth wear
  • Commitment to optimal aesthetic and functional restoration
  • Commitment to long-term warranty for restorations
  • Commitment to sterile process – absolute safety

Tooth Wear – Don’t Lose Your Teeth Because of Subjectivity

Although tooth wear progresses slowly, the consequences are severe. If you notice signs of sensitivity or worn biting edges, don’t hesitate – let Lux Smile accompany you on your journey to protect and restore a healthy smile.

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Reclaim your smile with confidence!