You grind or clench your teeth, especially at night. The surfaces are wearing flat. That's attrition — and it doesn't just affect the look of your teeth. It changes your bite and can cause jaw problems.

Attrition is tooth wear that happens when teeth rub against each other. Unlike decay or gum disease, it's a mechanical process — surface against surface, again and again, often while you sleep and don't even know it's happening.

Attrition typically shows up on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. The cusps — those pointed bits that help you grind food — flatten out over time. The teeth lose their natural shape and texture.

On front teeth, you might notice the edges becoming flat or chipped. In severe cases, the teeth become noticeably shorter. The enamel thins, and you may see the darker dentine underneath showing through.

The most common cause is bruxism — the dental term for grinding or clenching your teeth. Many people do it in their sleep and never realise it until a dentist spots the signs. Stress is a major contributor. So is an uneven bite, where some teeth hit harder than others.

Some people also clench during the day without noticing — while concentrating, during exercise, or in response to pain. Over time, this adds up.

Flattened teeth don't just look different. They change the way your bite works. When the chewing surfaces lose their shape, the forces on your jaw shift. This can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension. It can also make your remaining tooth structure more vulnerable to cracks and fractures.

Attrition often gets worse gradually. The more you grind, the flatter your teeth get, which can change your bite alignment, which in turn can increase grinding. It's a cycle worth breaking early.

Treatment depends on how advanced the wear is. In early stages, a custom bite guard (sometimes called an occlusal splint) can protect your teeth from further damage and often reduce grinding frequency. If the wear is more severe, your dentist might recommend bonding to restore the tooth shape, or crowns for comprehensive protection.

Addressing the underlying cause matters too — managing stress, correcting bite alignment, and being mindful of daytime clenching can all help.

If you've been told you grind your teeth, or if you've noticed flattening, chips, or sensitivity, mention it at your next visit. Catching attrition early makes treatment simpler and more effective.