Your teeth look shorter than they used to. The edges are worn flat or translucent. That's tooth wear — a slow process that most people don't notice until significant damage has been done.

Tooth wear refers to the progressive loss of tooth structure. It happens to everyone to some degree as they age. But when it speeds up or becomes severe, it can affect both how your teeth look and how they function.

You might notice your teeth appear darker at the edges. The chewing surfaces may feel smooth rather than textured. In more advanced cases, the teeth look noticeably shorter and the bite seems collapsed. Some people experience sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods.

The front teeth often show the earliest signs. The edges become thin, almost translucent — like stained glass worn down over decades of use.

Tooth wear isn't caused by one single thing. It's usually a combination of factors that add up over time. The main causes are:

• Attrition — wear from tooth-to-tooth contact, often from grinding or clenching
• Erosion — wear from acids in food, drinks, or stomach acid (acid reflux)
• Abrasion — wear from things brushing against teeth, like hard brushing or habitual pipe smoking
• Abfraction — wear from flexural forces on the tooth, creating wedge-shaped notches at the gum line

Most people have a combination of two or more of these. That's why identifying the specific type of tooth wear matters — it tells your dentist what to treat and what habits to change.

Mild tooth wear is normal and often doesn't need intervention. But when it progresses quickly or is severe, treatment can protect your teeth from further damage. Options include bonding to restore shape, crowns to cover worn teeth, or a bite guard to prevent further grinding damage.

The key is catching it early. If you've noticed your teeth looking shorter or flatter, mention it at your next appointment. The sooner your dentist understands what's happening, the more options you have to slow it down.

There are practical steps you can take right now. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing. Cut back on acidic foods and drinks — especially between meals. If you have acid reflux, get it treated. And if you grind your teeth, ask about a bite guard.

Small changes now can make a big difference to how long your teeth last.