Dental Concerns
Worn Teeth
Worn teeth can affect the look, strength and comfort of your smile. You may notice your teeth appear shorter, flatter, chipped or more sensitive than they used to be. In some cases, worn teeth can also change the way your bite feels or make chewing uncomfortable.
At Holdsworth House Dental, we assess the cause of tooth wear and recommend personalised treatment to protect your teeth, improve comfort and restore your smile. If you have noticed changes in the shape or feel of your teeth, booking a General Dentistry appointment is the best place to start.
What causes worn teeth?
Tooth wear can happen gradually over time. It may be caused by everyday habits, your bite, enamel erosion or underlying dental concerns.
Common causes of worn teeth include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Acid reflux
- Brushing too hard
- An uneven bite
- Age-related enamel wear
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Worn dental restorations
One of the most common causes of worn teeth is grinding or clenching. If this is contributing to your symptoms, our teeth-grinding treatment can help protect your teeth from further damage.
Signs of worn teeth
Worn teeth can look and feel different from person to person. You may notice small changes at first, or symptoms may become more obvious over time.
Common signs include:
- Shorter or flatter teeth
- Chipped or uneven edges
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Teeth that look thin or translucent
- Cracks or rough edges
- Jaw discomfort
- Headaches from clenching
- Changes in your bite
If worn teeth are causing sensitivity, our page on sensitive teeth may also help explain why hot, cold or sweet foods can trigger discomfort.
Can worn teeth be prevented?
In many cases, further tooth wear can be slowed or prevented once the cause is identified.
We recommend:
- Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Limiting acidic foods and drinks
- Avoiding brushing too hard
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Drinking water after acidic foods or drinks
- Attending regular dental check-ups
- Treating reflux or other medical causes where needed
Routine preventative dental care helps us monitor your enamel, bite and restorations so we can act early if signs of wear appear.
Why choose Holdsworth House Dental?
At Holdsworth House Dental, we take a personalised approach to worn teeth. We do not just repair the visible damage. We look at why the wear is happening so we can help protect your teeth for the long term.
Our experienced dental team will explain your options clearly and recommend treatment that suits your needs, goals and oral health.
You can also learn more about Holdsworth House Dental before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can worn teeth be repaired?
Yes. Worn teeth can often be repaired with restorative or cosmetic dental treatments, depending on the amount of wear and the cause. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable option after examining your teeth.
Why are my teeth getting shorter?
Teeth may appear shorter due to grinding, clenching, acid erosion or general enamel wear. A dental examination can identify the cause and help prevent further damage.
Are worn teeth serious?
Worn teeth can become serious if left untreated. As enamel wears away, teeth may become sensitive, weakened or more likely to crack. Early treatment can help protect your natural teeth.
Can teeth grinding cause worn teeth?
Yes. Teeth grinding and clenching can place heavy pressure on the teeth, causing enamel to wear down over time. Treating the habit can help reduce further damage.
Book an appointment
If you've noticed your teeth becoming shorter, more sensitive or showing signs of wear, book an appointment with Holdsworth House Dental. Our team can assess your teeth, identify the cause of the wear and recommend the most appropriate treatment to help protect your smile.
