We all want a bright, healthy smile, but sometimes, the silent wear and tear on our teeth goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Worn teeth might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but the truth is, they can secretly wreak havoc on your overall health and quality of life.
So, what problems occur with worn teeth? The consequences can be far-reaching. Imagine the enamel, the strongest substance in your body, slowly eroding away. This exposure of the softer dentine beneath leads to increased sensitivity, making hot, cold, or sweet foods a painful experience. But it doesn’t stop there. As your teeth wear down, your bite can change. This misalignment puts undue stress on your jaw joints, leading to chronic jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and even debilitating headaches. Many people don’t connect their persistent headaches or neck tension to their teeth, but an imbalanced bite is often a surprising culprit.
Beyond the immediate discomfort, severely worn teeth can impact your digestion. When your teeth aren’t efficiently breaking down food, your digestive system has to work harder, potentially leading to issues like indigestion or nutrient malabsorption. Furthermore, a collapsed bite from significant wear can actually reduce the vertical dimension of your face, contributing to a prematurely aged appearance. In some severe cases, reduced vertical dimension can even impact your airway, potentially contributing to snoring or sleep apnoea.
Can worn teeth be repaired? The good news is, yes! Depending on the extent of the wear, there are various effective treatments available. For mild to moderate wear, solutions like dental bonding with composite resin can restore the tooth’s shape and protect the underlying structure. Dental veneers are another excellent option, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface that can correct both shape and colour.
For more significant wear or bite-related issues, dental crowns are often recommended. These custom-made caps cover the entire tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. In cases where the bite is severely compromised, a comprehensive bite reconstruction might be necessary, involving a combination of crowns, bridges, or even orthodontics to re-establish a healthy and stable bite. Early diagnosis is key, so if you suspect you have worn teeth or are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t delay seeking professional advice.
Concerned about the health of your smile? Take the first step towards a healthier future with a complimentary e-consultation with Matt Dash Dentist in Edinburgh.
