Noticed your teeth feeling more sensitive lately? It could be tooth wear, and it’s more common than you’d think. Dr Vinisha (Dentist) breaks down the main types and how a simple composite filling can help.
Tooth sensitivity has a way of sneaking up on you. One day your morning coffee is fine, the next, that first sip makes you wince. Worn tooth structure is a common reason, and there are four types worth knowing about.
The Four Types of Tooth Wear
- Abrasion: comes from brushing too hard or using an abrasive toothpaste. It shows up as notching near the gumline, right where the bristles work hardest.
- Attrition: is caused by grinding or clenching. Over time, it leaves teeth looking flattened, shorter, or chipped at the edges.
- Erosion: occurs when acids from diet, soft drinks, or reflux dissolve the enamel. Eroded teeth often look smooth and shiny, and they’re very sensitive.
- Abfraction: creates wedge-shaped defects near the gumline from excessive biting forces. These notches may feel sharp and become quite sensitive over time.
How Composite Fillings Can Help
Once tooth structure is lost, it doesn’t grow back, but it can be restored. Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings bond directly to the worn area, rebuilding structure without touching healthy enamel around it. They may help manage sensitivity by covering exposed areas and can support the tooth against further wear, and blend naturally with your teeth. (In many cases, this can be completed in a single visit.)
Tooth wear is something I see regularly, and what strikes me most is how early we can make a difference. A small composite filling placed at the right time can help prevent a minor issue from progressing into something more complex.”
Dr Vinisha
Don’t Wait for Small to Become Big
Wear is progressive. Ignoring a simple fix today could mean a crown or a more complex procedure down the track. If you’ve noticed these changes, it may be worth having it checked. Get in touch with our team to learn more.