Tooth Wear: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Your Smile
More and more people are experiencing tooth wear. Studies show this is especially common among teenagers and young adults. Because tooth wear is permanent, spotting it early and knowing how to prevent it makes a big difference.
What is tooth wear?
Tooth wear means the gradual loss of the hard surface of your teeth. This can happen for different reasons:
- Erosion: damage from acids in food, drinks, or stomach acid.
- Attrition: grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Abrasion: brushing too hard or using your teeth as tools.
Unlike cavities, tooth wear isn’t caused by bacteria, but by your daily habits and health.
Why is tooth wear becoming more common?
- Acidic foods and drinks. Not just sodas and energy drinks, but also smoothies, fruit juices, kombucha, and citrus-flavored water can wear away your enamel because of their high acidity.
- Lifestyle habits. Snacking or sipping throughout the day means your teeth are exposed to acid more often, without enough time to recover. Stress can also lead to teeth grinding, which causes further wear.
- Saliva and health. Saliva naturally protects your teeth by washing away acids. If your mouth is often dry, or your saliva is more acidic, your teeth are at greater risk.
- Medical conditions. Acid reflux (GERD) exposes teeth to stomach acid, and some medications reduce saliva flow, both of which can speed up tooth wear.
What can you do to protect your teeth?
- Limit acidic drinks, and if you do have them, try to drink them with meals.
- Rinse your mouth with water after having something acidic.
- If you grind your teeth or have reflux symptoms, talk to a dentist or doctor for support.
- Keep up with regular dental check-ups, so problems can be spotted early.
The takeaway
Tooth wear is becoming more common, but you can take steps to protect your smile. By making small changes in what you eat, drink, and how you care for your teeth, you lower your risk and keep your teeth stronger for longer.
What about you?
- Have you noticed your teeth feeling more sensitive?
- Do you drink acidic drinks every day without realising it?
- What small change could you start today to protect your teeth?