OROctober is Oral Health Prevention Month. Talking about oral health is essential because the mouth is not just a part of the body used for chewing or speaking: it is a gateway to overall health. Often, however, oral health is underestimated, while it has a direct impact on physical, psychological and social well-being. Many systemic diseases (such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis) can manifest themselves first in the mouth. Dental wear is a growing phenomenon also in young people and adults.
This is not just a “cosmetic problem” but a sign of something that is silently and permanently damaging your teeth.. Often we realize the problem too late. It is a phenomenon that should not be overlooked because it can have serious, progressive and irreversible consequences on oral health and general well-being. In fact, once worn, tooth enamel does not reform. Wear and tear can lead toexposure of the dentinincreasing the risk of dental sensitivity (cold, hot, sweet), pain, greater vulnerability to tooth decay and fractures. We talked about it with Doctor Pietro Sibilla Dentist at the Erresse Clinic in Ferrara.
Dental wear: 5 reasons why it happens
Teeth wear refers to progressive loss of enamelthe outermost and hardest part of the tooth, and sometimes also the dentin, the layer underneath. The causes are multiple, explains Dr. Sibilla, very common in everyday life.
Here are the most significant:
- acidic drinks such as energy drinks, cola and fruit juices;
- gastric reflux (those acids that rise from the stomach into the mouth);
- brushing too vigorously or abrasive toothpastes;
- stress that turns into bruxism, i.e. teeth grinding, especially at night.
- incorrect habit of biting your nails.
What are the signs to look out for?
At first the alarm bells are subtle: one increased sensitivity to cold or heattooth surfaces that become smoother and shinier, small depressions on the molars, front edges that appear to be thinning.
If the trial goes forward, the expert continues, i teeth can shorten, change color, chip. It’s not tooth decay. In fact, wear does not depend on bacteria, but on a chemical-mechanical action.
The enamel does not grow back
And there is a fact that often surprises patients: lo enamel does not grow back. What we lose, is lost. This is why it is essential to intercept the problem immediately, when we can still intervene in a simple and conservative way.
If you suspect that your teeth are wearing out, it is advisable to talk to your dentist who will be able to investigate further to understand whether the wear is physiological (related to age) or pathological (i.e. to be stopped).
Tooth wear is often silent, but progresses. Many people don’t notice the wear and tear until they teeth no longer appear short or transparent, cusps and margins wear away, discomfort or sensitivity appears. As a result, acting late means facing greater damage and more complex treatments.
The damage of dental wear on the jaw and posture
Dental wear affects aesthetics, function and quality of life, alters the smile (shape and color of the teeth), chewing and occlusion balance.
And it can have also impacts on mandibular joints and posture.
Here’s what to do
Minimize carbonated drinks, energy drinks and very acidic foods. After drinking or eating something acidic, don’t brush your teeth immediately: wait at least 30 minutes.
Use soft-bristled toothbrushes and mild toothpastes. Don’t ignore sensitivity: if you notice pain or changes, ask for a dental consultation.
What can the dentist do?
The dentist evaluates wear with specific instruments (such asBEWE indexrecognized by the WHO). Depending on the case, he may recommend a night bite in case of teeth grinding. It can strengthen your teeth with remineralizing treatments. In more advanced cases, rebuild teeth in a minimally invasive waywith resins or adhesive ceramics that restore shape and function without “filing away” other enamel. The restorations with veneers in the front teeth and inlays in the back teeth they are the most suitable solution to restore the part of the tooth lost due to wear.
Many people avoid the dentist out of fear, shame or cost. Talking openly about oral health helps normalize prevention, combat misinformation and promote access to care. Oral health is health in all respects. Talking about it is the first step to taking care of it.