Dental attrition: when enamel wears away over time

Tooth wear is a common oral health problem. It takes many forms and can have mechanical, chemical or pathological causes.Tooth attrition can be considered normal and affects most people. However, it is possible to mask its effects to maintain a beautiful smile.

Tooth wear, a common phenomenon

Constantly strained by over-enthusiastic brushing or excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages, enamel eventually becomes damaged. This tooth wear can take four distinct forms:

dental abfraction, caused by bruxism or an imbalance of pressure on the teeth;

erosion, of chemical origin (excessive acidity in the mouth) or linked to anorexia;

abrasion, due to repeated mechanical trauma (chewing on a pencil, opening bottles with the teeth…);

attrition, a generalized wearing away of tooth enamel over time.

Symptoms of dental erosion and possible prevention

Dental attrition manifests itself as the wearing away of tooth enamel, affecting all teeth. This condition may be accompanied by other phenomena such as erosion or abfraction, which accelerate its progression. It is possible to prevent wear and slow it down by adopting a few simple gestures: gentle brushing, limiting acidic foods and drinks, avoiding smoking… However, in the case of pronounced attrition, only your dentist can help you regain a harmonious smile.

Treatment of attrition and other forms of wear at Studio Dentaire

Tooth wear can be managed through preventive advice, specific care and devices designed to restore the aesthetic appeal of the smile. Every year, Dr Touati and his team welcome hundreds of patients suffering from tooth attrition, and offer them personalized long-term care. Erosion can be slowed down by rigorous and appropriate oral hygiene, for which your dentist will give you sound advice. To treat attrition, dental reconstructions are used to hide visible signs of wear or replace missing enamel. These are devices made of ceramic or composite, which the practitioner bonds to the damaged parts of the tooth. These include veneers, inlays and onlays, overlays and table tops. Your dentist will be able to guide you towards the most appropriate solution. Located in Lyon 3, close to the Halles Paul Bocuse and the SNCF train station, our specialized dental practice provides each patient with individualized, empathetic care. From the very first consultation, your dentist will carry out a full oral and dental examination. He will also ask you about your general state of health. Only then will your dentist suggest a tooth wear treatment tailored to your individual needs. Committed to a long-term, holistic approach, Dr Touati and his team look at each patient as a whole, taking into account their environment and life history. In this way, they can help you achieve greater comfort in your daily life, helping you to regain and maintain a radiant smile.