Teeth wear is young people’s problem

We live in times when intense work and persistent pursuit of goals are the driving forces behind progress. The desire to overcome obstacles, passion and zeal are extremely admirable, but there is also another side to this that is not so charming. Our bodies suffer from workaholism, stress and a frantic pace of life. The condition of our teeth is no exception. Dentists point out that tooth wear is an increasingly common problem closely linked to the pace of modern life. How can we protect our teeth from wear and tear?

Why do teeth wear?

Dentist-Orthopaedic Surgeon Raimondas Savickas explains the most common causes of tooth wear. “The main cause of pathological tooth wear, i.e. wear that is greater than it should be for the patient’s age, is considered to be the entry of stomach acid into the mouth due to gastroesophageal reflux. Stomach acid severely damages tooth tissue, which means that tooth wear can be a sign of stomach problems. However, teeth can also wear and become damaged as a result of improper brushing. Teeth grinding is also a very common cause of tooth wear.” The habit of involuntary teeth grinding mentioned by Dentist Raimondas Savickas, known as bruxism, usually affects people who are under a lot of stress or are exhausted. It appears that an increasing number of younger patients experience this problem.

Worn teeth are more than just an aesthetic issue

You can tell if your teeth are worn down just by looking in the mirror. If your teeth have become small with chipped or broken edges, these are signs of obvious tooth wear. Such a smile does not look attractive, but aesthetic discomfort is certainly not the biggest problem. Worn teeth become weak and will not last long if no action is taken. In addition, the function of the temporomandibular joint is impaired. You may wonder how to deal with this issue. The first step should certainly be the same as when dealing with any other issue in the oral cavity, i.e. an appointment with the dentist who will assess the situation and prescribe the most effective treatment.

Treatment of bruxism

Worn teeth can be restored and their aesthetic appearance can be recovered. In more complex cases, prosthetics is required. However, tooth reconstruction only addresses the consequences rather than the root cause of the issue. If the person continues grinding their teeth involuntarily, the teeth will wear down again and again. To break out of this vicious circle, it is important to identify the causes of bruxism. Since involuntary teeth grinding is usually psychological in nature, you should focus on your emotional state and, if necessary, consult a psychologist. Also, do not forget about prevention, i.e. a protective mouthguard that should be worn at night. A specially moulded mouthguard significantly reduces the negative effects of teeth grinding.

In many cases, tooth wear can be considered a signal from the body that it is time to slow down. Among the million things on your daily to-do list, make sure to include the most important one which is time for your health. Listen to the messages your body is sending you and you will avoid a string of consequences.