It’s normal for the stresses and strains of life to take their toll on your teeth, but there are certain things that cause more wear and tear than others. If you’re keen to protect your pearly whites, here are five things you can do to prevent excessive tooth wear.

1. Keep an eye on your diet: Eating and drinking acidic and sugary foods and drinks contributes to erosion of the protective enamel coating. Once the enamel is worn, it is vulnerable to injury, infection, and decay. Try to avoid snacking between meals, and moderate your intake of sugar.
2. See your dentist if you grind your teeth: If you’ve been told by your partner that you’ve been grinding your teeth, or you keep waking up with pain in your jaw or headaches, see your dentist. Grinding the teeth can damage them, but there are preventative solutions. Using a bite guard, for example, can help to protect your teeth while you’re asleep.
3. Brush gently: You might think that the harder you brush, the better the clean. However, this is not the case. If you brush too hard, you can wear away your enamel. Be gentle and use a brush with soft or medium bristles.
4. Don’t use abrasive toothpaste: Sometimes, abrasive ingredients ate added to toothpaste, usually to remove stains. Abrasive toothpastes can actually damage the enamel, so try and avoid them.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is a mineral, which can help to fortify the enamel. Use fluoride toothpaste every time you brush, and avoid rinsing straight after brushing. This washes the fluoride away.

If you’re worried about tooth wear, get in touch. We can offer advice, and we may also be able to recommend some treatments to repair and prevent damage.