Gloss & Floss Answers · Bite, Jaw & Teeth Grinding
What can you do about worn-down teeth?
Direct answer
Worn-down teeth can often be managed by identifying the cause, protecting the teeth from further wear and rebuilding damaged areas when needed. Treatment may include fluoride, diet changes, a night guard, bite adjustment, composite bonding, crowns, veneers or more complex bite rehabilitation. The right plan depends on whether the wear comes from grinding, acid erosion, brushing trauma, age-related wear or a combination.
Why tooth wear needs a cause-based plan
Rebuilding worn teeth without addressing the cause can lead to repeated chipping, sensitivity or failure of restorations.
The first step is to understand the wear pattern: flat grinding wear, cupped erosion wear, gumline abrasion or fractured edges may point to different causes.
Tooth wear causes and options
| Wear pattern | Possible cause | Possible management |
|---|---|---|
| Flat edges and shortened teeth | Grinding or clenching. | Night guard, bite assessment and restorative planning. |
| Cupped or smooth enamel loss | Acid erosion from diet or reflux. | Diet advice, fluoride and medical referral if reflux suspected. |
| Notches near gumline | Brushing trauma, bite stress or erosion. | Technique review, desensitizing care and restorations when needed. |
| Chipped front edges | Bite overload, trauma or weakened enamel. | Bonding, veneers or crowns depending on severity. |
| Sensitivity with wear | Exposed dentine or cracks. | Fluoride, protection and repair if needed. |
What affects treatment choice?
- Cause and speed of wear.
- Amount of enamel and dentine lost.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Bite height and chewing function.
- Grinding or clenching habits.
- Acid exposure from diet or reflux.
- Aesthetic goals.
- Cost, timeline and long-term maintenance.
What happens at Gloss & Floss Dental Care®?
At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Stockholm, we assess tooth wear patterns, bite, symptoms, restorations and lifestyle factors before recommending treatment.
The plan may focus first on stabilizing the cause, then rebuilding teeth in a way that is strong, natural-looking and maintainable.
When should you seek care?
Book care if teeth are getting shorter, edges chip, sensitivity increases, fillings break or you notice jaw pain or grinding signs.
Practical advice: Early tooth wear is easier to stabilize than advanced wear that has changed the bite.
Frequently asked questions
Can worn teeth be rebuilt?
Often yes, but the cause of wear must be managed to protect the result.
Can grinding make teeth shorter?
Yes. Long-term grinding can flatten and shorten teeth.
Are crowns always needed for worn teeth?
No. Mild or moderate wear may be managed with prevention, bonding or monitoring. Crowns are considered when teeth are heavily weakened.
Can acid drinks wear teeth down?
Yes. Frequent acid exposure can soften enamel and contribute to erosion.
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Disclaimer
This article provides general information from Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Stockholm. It does not replace tooth-wear diagnosis, bite analysis or restorative treatment planning.
