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Worn Down Teeth

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"Worn down dentition" refers to the gradual loss or erosion of tooth structure, typically from the surfaces that come in contact with opposing teeth, food, or other materials. This condition can result from several factors and is commonly associated with the following:


1. Attrition:

  • Cause: Tooth-to-tooth contact, often from grinding (bruxism) or clenching.

  • Appearance: Flat, worn biting surfaces, often in line with the grinding motion.

2. Abrasion:

  • Cause: Mechanical wear from an external source, such as aggressive brushing, using a hard toothbrush, or chewing on hard objects (like pens or nails).

  • Appearance: V-shaped notches at the gum line.

3. Erosion:

  • Cause: Chemical breakdown of tooth enamel, often due to acidic substances like soft drinks, citrus fruits, or stomach acid (from conditions like GERD or frequent vomiting).

  • Appearance: Smooth, shiny surface loss, often more generalized than abrasion or attrition.

4. Abfraction:

  • Cause: Flexing of teeth under pressure, leading to loss of tooth structure at the gum line.

  • Appearance: Deep, wedge-shaped lesions near the gum line.

Symptoms of Worn Dentition:

  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.

  • Difficulty chewing.

  • Changes in the appearance of teeth (flattening, shortening).

  • Jaw pain, headaches (if related to grinding or clenching).

Treatment Options:

  • Occlusal guards: Custom-made dental appliances to protect against grinding and clenching.

  • Dental restorations: Fillings, crowns, or veneers to restore worn tooth surfaces.

  • Dietary changes: Reducing acidic food and drink intake to limit erosion.

  • Behavioral changes: Addressing habits like aggressive brushing or biting on hard objects.

  • Management of underlying conditions: Treating GERD or other medical issues that may contribute to erosion.


Early intervention can prevent further wear and preserve tooth structure, while severe cases might require more extensive restorative procedures.


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Tooth Extraction

Dentists prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible, as there is no better alternative to your own. However, there are instances where keeping a tooth is no longer viable or could compromise your overall dental well-being. 


In these situations, extracting the tooth may be the  best solution and prevent issues such as severe pain, infection, or harm to surrounding teeth.


Tooth Replacement

After a tooth extraction (excluding wisdom teeth), replacing the missing tooth is a

crucial step in maintaining oral health. Without replacement, several issues may

arise, including:

  • Excessive Pressure on Remaining Teeth – Losing a tooth often leads to favouring the opposite side for chewing, placing extra stress on the remaining teeth. Over time, this increases the risk of fractures or cracks due to overuse. Also, chewing more on one side of the mouth can be damaging on the jaw joint (TMJ).

  • Tooth Movement & Misalignment – Teeth naturally shift to fill empty spaces. Those adjacent to the gap may drift, while opposing teeth may over-erupt, leading to misalignment and spacing issues elsewhere in the mouth.

  • Higher Risk of Tooth Decay – Over-erupted and shifted teeth create hard-to-clean areas, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup and cavities. Replacing a missing tooth helps maintain proper function, alignment, and long-term oral health.

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