Your teeth are getting shorter. Or flatter. Or maybe one tooth has a notch worn into it near the gum line. Your dentist tells you it is not decay — it is wear. But what does that actually mean?

Tooth wear is any loss of tooth structure that is not caused by decay. It happens slowly, over years, and by the time you notice it, the damage is already done. Unlike cavities, tooth wear does not usually cause pain at first — which is why it can sneak up on you.

There are three main types of tooth wear, and it is worth knowing the difference because they have different causes.

Attrition is caused by tooth-to-tooth contact — basically, your teeth wearing against each other. This is often linked to grinding or clenching, particularly at night. If you have ever been told you grind your teeth, attrition is likely happening.

The surfaces that meet when you chew get flattened over time. Front teeth lose their sharp edges and become shorter. Molars lose their raised cusps. It can change the shape of your whole smile.

Abrasion is physical wear from something outside the tooth rubbing against it. The most common culprit? Aggressive tooth brushing. Scrubbing back and forth with a hard-bristled brush can wear grooves into your teeth near the gum line.

It can also come from habits like nail biting, chewing tobacco, or even regularly holding pipes or pens between your teeth.

Erosion is the most common type of tooth wear — and arguably the most misunderstood. Acid from food, drink, or your own stomach dissolves the hard enamel layer of your teeth. Once it is gone, it does not grow back.

Highly acidic foods and drinks are a big contributor: citrus fruit, fizzy drinks, sports drinks, wine, and vinegar-based foods all lower the pH in your mouth. But acid reflux or bulimia are also significant causes — because stomach acid is very strong.

Saliva helps neutralise acid, but if you sip acidic drinks throughout the day or have a dry mouth, the damage adds up fast.

Dentists are seeing more tooth wear in adults of all ages. Partly it is diet — we consume more acidic foods and drinks than previous generations. Partly it is stress, which drives teeth grinding.

People are also keeping their natural teeth longer than before, so the teeth have more years of wear to endure. It is a growing issue that often flies under the radar until it becomes noticeable.

Treatment depends on how severe the wear is. In early stages, your dentist might recommend simple things like a softer toothbrush, a custom night guard for grinding, or changes to your diet. Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help with symptoms.

For more advanced wear, composite bonding, veneers, or crowns can restore the shape and function of your teeth. The earlier you catch it, the less invasive the treatment needed.

If you have noticed your teeth looking shorter, flatter, or more worn than they used to, book a check-up. Early detection means simpler, more affordable treatment — and a better chance of keeping your natural teeth for life.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com

Meads Village Dental Practice