I need help with worn teeth

Discover the symptoms of eroded enamel and what to do about it

If the enamel of your teeth is wearing away, it can leave them looking dull and feeling sensitive.

How do I know if I have worn teeth?

Sometimes the enamel on your teeth erodes, exposing the softer inner layers. If this happens, you may start to notice dents in the surface of your teeth, particularly in the areas that are involved in chewing. Thin enamel increases the risk of tooth sensitivity when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic food and drink. You may also notice your teeth changing colour as the yellow dentine inside them becomes visible through the enamel.

Why do I have worn teeth?

There are several common causes of worn teeth. Exposure to acidic food and drinks softens your enamel, making it more likely to erode. Having a dry mouth can contribute to this, as you lack the alkaline saliva that helps to neutralise the acid. Dental hygiene is also a factor because the bacteria in plaque can become acidic. Grinding your teeth or brushing them too hard can wear the enamel away gradually. Prolonged use of some medications, like Aspirin or vitamin C, may lead to enamel erosion.

What treatments are available for worn teeth?

Tooth enamel can’t be replaced, but we have a protective and restorative treatments that can help fix the damage done to your teeth.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about worn teeth

  • Tooth enamel is the hard white outer layer of your teeth. It protects the soft dentine beneath from infection and decay, and stops the sensitive nerves inside your teeth being affected by heat and cold. Enamel does not regenerate, so once it has worn away, we need to repair it with a filling or a crown.

  • Enamel is susceptible to erosion by acidic compounds or abrasion, but because it happens gradually, you might not be aware that it’s happening. However, eventually you may experience sensitivity, discolouration, and visible pitting on the surface of your teeth.

  • You can help to prevent worn tooth enamel with a good oral hygiene routine, which will reduce the acid caused by the bacteria in plaque. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding acidic and sugary drinks will also help. Our oral therapist can teach you gentle brushing techniques. A custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from night-time grinding.

  • Depending on the extent of the damage, you might be able to rebuild the surface of the enamel with special fluoride treatments or toothpaste. More severe damage may require a filling or a crown. We can do this quickly using minimally invasive treatments like air abrasion or CEREC same-day crowns.

  • You should see a dentist as soon as you notice the signs of worn tooth enamel, because once the dentine in your teeth is exposed, it’s much easier for tooth decay to get in. You could also develop an infection that kills the tissues inside your tooth. The sooner you address worn enamel, the quicker and less expensive it will be to treat.

  • The cost of treating worn teeth depends on how much damage has been done to the enamel. Once we have examined your teeth and determined the best treatment, we’ll be able to give you an accurate quote and discuss the payment options that suit you best.