When oral bacteria consume sugars found in the foods and drinks you enjoy, they can release acids capable of damaging your dental enamel. If that damage grows serious enough, a cavity can form, which results in the need for restorative dental work. Our Richfield, MN dentist’s office is prepared to help individuals who are affected by dental decay. What you might not realize is that we are also prepared to help if excess friction on teeth has caused worrying dental wear and tear. When the problem is only superficial, patients sometimes inquire about cosmetic dental work to improve their appearance. With that said, this problem can lead to damage that is serious enough to call for restorative dental work, particularly if you have a history of teeth grinding or clenching.
Wear And Tear Can Become An Issue For More Than Just Your Smile
Over time, gradual wear and tear can affect a person’s smile. This is a natural effect caused by years of biting and chewing, but for some people the effects can be alarming. Excessive friction, or problems with naturally weaker enamel, can lead to changes in the shape of teeth. If the wear and tear becomes too serious, it could lead to chips and cracks that affect your oral health! Fortunately, your dentist can alert you to worrying signs of wear and tear during a routine dental checkup, so the matter can be addressed before it grows too serious.
How Can I Avoid Future Wear And Tear?
Some wear and tear can be difficult to avoid, but you can minimize it by changing your habits. One thing to note is that acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel. In addition to making a person more vulnerable to teeth stains and cavities, softer enamel can make wear and tear more of a concern. You should also be conscious of any tendency to chew on hard surfaces. A habit of chewing on ice cubes or pen caps can seem harmless at first, but it can lead to real problems in time.
Problems With Bruxism Should Be Taken Seriously
If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, particularly at night, you should be concerned about the effects of bruxism. As time passes, problems with bruxism can lead to issues with jaw pain, headaches, and dental damage. For patients who struggle with this, and those who have related troubles with TMJ disorder, a custom oral appliance can help.
Your Richfield, MN Dentist Can Help You Deal With Enamel Wear And Tear
At our Richfield, MN dentist’s office, we have experience caring for patients who have grown concerned about dental wear and tear. To find out more about this issue, and to learn how we can help you, please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
