Tooth enamel wear: how can it be detected and treated in time?

Commonly referred to as ” tooth wear “,tooth enamel erosion is a phenomenon well known to dentists. Tooth erosion can be caused by a variety of factors, and leads to recurrent discomfort and even pain.

Studio Dentaire, a dental practice in Lyon 3, explains how to remedy this problem.

What causes tooth wear?

Tooth enamel erosion can be mechanical or chemical in origin. The main triggering and aggravating factors are as follows:

bruxism or “teeth grinding”;

diet (acidic or very sweet foods are particularly harmful);

excess soft drinks (which contain citric acid), coffee, tea or alcohol;

malocclusion (misalignment of upper and lower jaws).

Depending on the origin of the problem, there are four types oftooth wear. Attrition, often caused by bruxism, affects the tops of the teeth. Erosion is caused by acid attack, while abrasion is generally due to inadequate brushing or the habit of “chewing” on an object. Finally, abfraction is caused by a bite defect.

What are the symptoms of enamel erosion?

Enamel embrittlement manifests itself in various ways:

Tooth sensitivity or hypersensitivity: cold, heat, sugar cause acute pain;
discoloration or yellowing of enamel ;
appearance of cracks or even breakage of the tooth;
development of cavities, as the tooth is less well protected by fragile enamel.

Is there a treatment for enamel loss?

Treatment for dental erosion is twofold: eliminating the causes and treating the symptoms. If the enamel is extremely damaged, your dentist may suggest restorative treatment, such as veneers or onlays.

In the case of bruxism, wearing an occlusal plate helps stop the progression of tooth wear. The mouthpiece also puts an end to related symptoms: muscle contractions, neck and back pain, headaches, sleep disorders…

Examples Before / After

The installation of an anti-bruxism splint at Studio Dentaire

Before fitting an occlusal release splint, our dental surgeons perform a thorough oral examination. We ask patients about their symptoms (tooth sensitivity, jaw pain…), then examine the positioning of the jaws in relation to each other and to the skull, as well as the level ofwear on the tooth surface. Impressions taken with a 3D camera complete this examination of the mouth. All this information enables us to offer you the most appropriate treatment.

Once manufactured by our partner prosthetist, your custom-made anti-bruxism mouthpiece is fitted in the office. Wearing this appliance every night is both comfortable and effective in combating tooth wear.

At Studio Dentaire, you benefit from personalized advice and long-term care from a competent and friendly team in Lyon 3…