What causes teeth to wear down?
Tooth enamel is hard and wears down slowly. Nevertheless, your teeth wear down over the years. For example, by using a toothbrush incorrectly or grinding your teeth. This is called mechanical wear and tear. Chemical wear comes from acids in food. This phenomenon is called tooth erosion. When teeth are constantly exposed to mechanical and/or chemical influences, the risk of wear increases. Your dentist can see if this is the case for you.
Wear and tear of teeth through tooth brushing
If you brush vigorously or too intensely (too often or for too long) in one spot, grooves can form in the teeth. Even the gums can be brushed away, exposing the dental necks. Exposed dental necks are not covered by enamel and are therefore more susceptible to wear. Avoid using toothpicks or brushes too intensively for the same reasons.
Wear and tear of teeth due to acids in food and drinks
Among other things, acid is found in wine ...
... in kiwis and in citrus fruits
Acids in food and drinks can cause Acid Wear. Acids are found in (orange) apples, lemons, grapefruit, kiwis, fruit juices, (light) soft drinks (including iced tea), wine and e.g. breezers. Acid erosion is a creeping process that is not easy to repair. It is not just about how many acidic products you eat and drink. It is mainly about how often, how long, when and how you do it. If tooth erosion is not combated, acids can dissolve tooth enamel and then even the exposed dentin. See more what causes Acid Wear?
Brushing teeth and acids
Do not eat or drink acidic products one hour before brushing your teeth
The surface of teeth becomes softer due to the action of acid. If you brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acid, you can easily brush away the enamel layer. So then your teeth wear down even faster.
Saliva, heartburn and vomiting
Tooth erosion becomes more likely when the protective effect of saliva is worse, including when saliva production is low. Frequent giving up of gastric acid, for example due to medication or illness, can also cause tooth erosion.
Habits
Habits such as teeth grinding, nail biting, munching on a pen or pencil, pipe smoking and using the teeth like scissors or knives increase the risk of teeth wear.
Measures against dental wear
Use a soft toothbrush
Use a non-abrasive toothpaste
Neutralise acid with water, milk or cheese
Try to unlearn wrong habits, such as gnawing on a pen or pencil
Reduce wear and tear when cleaning your teeth
Brush your teeth carefully twice a day with a soft toothbrush. You apply sufficient pressure if you hold the brush at the end of the handle between your thumb and the tips of your fingers. Brush all areas of the mouth equally well. The first tooth you brush often wears the most. If you use toothpicks or brushes, limit this to once a day. Do not eat or drink acidic products one hour before brushing your teeth.
Limit the number of eating and drinking occasions
Many foods contain acids. Saliva has a protective effect. It neutralises the acid attack on teeth. If you eat acidic products all day long, saliva can no longer neutralise these attacks on teeth. Not only to prevent Acid Wear, but also to reduce the risk of cavities: limit the number of times you eat or drink. Have three meals a day and no more than four snacks in between. Sparkling water, coffee and ordinary tea without sugar are not harmful to your teeth.
Limit acidity
Do not hold acidic drinks in your mouth; swallow them immediately. Do not take small sips each time, but drink it in one go. Do not take small bites of acidic food each time, but eat it all at once. This will limit the effect of acid on the tooth surface.
Neutralise acid with water, milk or cheese
Instead of acidic products or after using them, have a glass of water or milk, or a small piece of cheese. This will prevent or limit the harmful effects of acids.
Stop bad habits
Try to unlearn bad habits such as nail biting, gnawing on a pen or pencil, pipe smoking and using your teeth as scissors or knives. This can be difficult because you often do this unconsciously. Teeth grinding, for example, is done during sleep. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about how best to tackle this problem.
What can the dentist do about tooth wear?
Place the toothbrush at an angle to the gums
Your sensitive teeth may be due to exposed dental necks. If your anti-wear measures do not help, your dentist may apply a lacquer coating. But in most cases, dental treatment is not necessary.
Want to know more?
Then download the free GezondeMond app. The app is available for Android and tablets, available via Google Play. The app for iPhone and iPad can be found in the iTunes App Store..
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