Dental attrition happens slowly, but its effects can be significant. Over time, the constant contact between teeth wears down the enamel, gradually changing the way your smile looks and feels.
Some level of wear is normal, especially as we age. Excessive attrition can cause tooth sensitivity, fractures, and bite changes. These issues can impact how your teeth work and look.
The good news? It’s preventable and treatable. If you’re seeing enamel wear or want to protect your teeth, start by learning the causes and solutions.
Let’s take a closer look at what dental attrition is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
What Is Dental Attrition?
Dental attrition is the gradual loss of tooth structure due to direct tooth-to-tooth contact. It is often caused by grinding or misaligned bites.
Unlike erosion (caused by acids) or abrasion (caused by external factors like brushing too hard), attrition happens when teeth wear against each other over time.
What Causes Dental Attrition?
Dental attrition doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow, gradual process caused by repeated tooth-to-tooth contact. While some wear is expected with age, certain habits and conditions can speed up enamel loss. This leads to:
- sensitivity
- fractures
- bite changes
One of the biggest culprits? Bruxism, or teeth grinding. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without even realizing it, putting excessive pressure on their enamel. Over time, this constant friction wears down the biting surfaces, making teeth look shorter and feel more sensitive.
Stress is often a trigger for bruxism. High-stress lifestyles can unknowingly contribute to enamel loss.
A misaligned bite (malocclusion) can also accelerate attrition. When teeth don’t fit together properly, certain areas take on more pressure than they should. This uneven force can lead to faster wear on specific teeth, making them more vulnerable to damage.
Of course, age plays a role too. Just like joints and skin change over time, teeth naturally experience some level of wear. But when attrition goes beyond what’s expected, it may signal an underlying issue that needs to be looked at by your dentist.
Diet matters as well. Regularly chewing on hard foods, tough meats, or seeds can contribute to enamel wear. This is especially true if grinding is already an issue. While these foods aren’t necessarily bad for your teeth, they can accelerate the process if combined with other risk factors.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dental Attrition?
Dental attrition doesn’t always cause pain right away. That is why it can go unnoticed until the damage becomes more advanced.
Spotting early signs can help stop bigger problems later:
- Flattened or shortened teeth – Biting edges may look more even, squared-off, or worn down.
- Tooth sensitivity – Enamel loss exposes dentin, making teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
- Changes in bite or jaw pain – Excessive wear can shift how teeth fit together, sometimes leading to jaw discomfort.
- Increased risk of chips or fractures – Weakened enamel leaves teeth more vulnerable to cracking or breaking.
If you’ve been noticing these signs, it might be a good idea to chat with your dentist. They can check things out and help you figure out the best way to protect your teeth before anything gets worse.
What Happens If Dental Attrition Is Left Untreated?
As enamel wears down, teeth become more vulnerable to damage.
- Tooth fractures – Weakened enamel makes teeth more susceptible to cracking or breaking.
- TMJ disorders – Uneven wear puts extra strain on the jaw, leading to pain or clicking.
- Aesthetic concerns – Teeth may look shorter, uneven, or discolored over time.
Catching attrition early can help prevent long-term damage and costly treatments. If you’ve noticed changes in your teeth, it’s best to check in with your dentist.
How Do Dentists Diagnose Dental Attrition?
Dentists use a few key steps to identify dental attrition and assess the extent of enamel wear.
First, they’ll do a clinical examination, checking for flattened teeth, sensitivity, and changes in how your bite fits together. If your teeth look shorter or more worn down, that’s a sign of excessive attrition.
Next comes a patient history review. Your dentist will ask about habits like:
- teeth grinding
- your diet
- any past dental work
Many people grind their teeth without realizing it, so this step helps uncover potential causes.
For a more detailed look, they may recommend bite analysis and imaging. X-rays or digital scans can show how much enamel has been lost and rule out deeper issues like fractures or structural damage.
How Is Dental Attrition Treated?
Treating dental attrition isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on what’s causing the wear and how much damage has already been done. Here’s what dentists typically recommend:
Night Guards & Splints – If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard can help. It creates a barrier to protect your teeth and stop damage.
Restorative Dentistry – Bonding, crowns, or veneers can rebuild worn-down teeth. These restorations improve their function and appearance.
Bite Adjustments – Small tweaks to your bite (called occlusal equilibration) help even out pressure. This way, certain teeth don’t take more wear than others.
Orthodontics – A misaligned bite can cause too much wear on your teeth. Braces or clear aligners can fix this by moving your teeth into the right position. This helps protect your enamel.
Your dentist will decide the best treatment for you. They will check if issues like grinding need to be fixed first. Treating it early leads to better results for your smile.
How Can I Prevent Dental Attrition?
Protecting your enamel starts with small, intentional changes.
If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard can make all the difference. It creates a protective barrier that prevents wear while you sleep.
Many people don’t even realize they grind until the damage is done. If you wake up with jaw soreness or notice your teeth looking flatter, ask your dentist about one.
Bruxism is often linked to stress, and while you can’t eliminate stress entirely, you can manage it. Meditation, therapy, or even simple jaw relaxation exercises before bed can help minimize clenching.
Your diet also matters. Hard foods like nuts, seeds, and tough meats put extra strain on your enamel. Reducing these and opting for softer alternatives can help slow down wear over time.
Most importantly, don’t skip your dental checkups. Catching attrition early means less invasive treatment and better long-term protection for your teeth. A quick visit every six months can help you avoid major dental work later on.
When Should I See a Dentist for Dental Attrition?
In short:
- Shorter, worn teeth
- Sensitivity to hot/cold/sweet
- Shifting/uncomfortable bite
- Jaw discomfort/tension
- Nighttime grinding
If your teeth look shorter or more worn down, it’s a sign that enamel loss is happening faster than normal. Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is another red flag—this often means the protective enamel layer has thinned, exposing the dentin underneath.
A shifting or uncomfortable bite is also worth paying attention to. As teeth wear down unevenly, they can change how your upper and lower teeth fit together, sometimes leading to jaw discomfort or tension.
And if you suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night—whether you wake up with jaw pain or your partner hears you grinding—it’s time for a checkup. A dentist can confirm if attrition is occurring and recommend solutions like a night guard to protect your teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Dental attrition is caused by direct tooth-to-tooth contact, leading to gradual enamel wear.
- Bruxism, misaligned bites, and dietary habits are common risk factors.
- Symptoms include flattened teeth, sensitivity, and bite changes.
- Treatment options include night guards, bite adjustments, and restorations like crowns or veneers.
- Regular checkups and preventative care can slow down or prevent further wear.
- For more expert dental tips, follow me on Instagram @joycethedentist!
FAQs
Can dental attrition be reversed?
No, lost enamel doesn’t grow back, but treatments like bonding, crowns, or veneers can restore function and appearance.
Does dental attrition cause cavities?
Not directly, but worn enamel makes teeth more vulnerable to decay, increasing the risk of cavities.
Is dental attrition the same as erosion?
No, attrition is caused by tooth-to-tooth contact, while erosion happens due to acids from food, drinks, or acid reflux.
Can dental attrition make my teeth look smaller?
Yes, as enamel wears down, teeth may appear shorter, flatter, or uneven.
Does everyone get dental attrition as they age?
Some enamel wear is normal over time, but excessive attrition isn’t. It’s often linked to grinding, misaligned bites, or diet.
Can I fix dental attrition without dental work?
Mild cases can be managed with night guards and lifestyle changes, but severe attrition usually requires dental treatment to prevent further damage.
Will a night guard stop attrition completely?
A night guard won’t stop grinding, but it can protect teeth from further wear by absorbing the pressure.
