Tooth wear is a multi-factorial condition of growing concern and is becoming increasingly significant in the management of patients. People are now retaining their teeth for longer, becoming more aware of their teeth and treatment possibilities and expecting their teeth to last them a lifetime. Although there is usually one predominant cause of wear for an individual, a number or wear processes often occur together, the most common form, especially in the younger age groups, being erosive tooth wear.

One of the effects of tooth wear, erosive tooth wear combined with abrasive wear, can lead to dentine hypersensitivity. This affects about 15 per cent of healthy dentate patients and 96 per cent of individuals susceptible top periodontal diseases.

Interestingly, only a very small area of dentine needs to b exposed to cause the excruciating pain. This can be confusing, as large areas of exposed dentine may or may not cause pain. The dentine tubules need to be patent from the dentine surface to the pulp for pain to be experienced, thus treatment modalities are current, as they focus on dentine tubules occlusion.

Tooth wear, which is said to be the fourth most common dental problem after caries, periodontal disease and trauma, is likely to increase in the future. It’s important to know how to manage these cases with preventative measures, and when to intervene restoratively. White fillings, veneers or crowns can be used to treat this problem. Call 01432 272238 for information.