Tooth wear is something we see all the time—flattened edges, chips in front teeth, or thinning enamel that makes teeth look dull or shorter. While some wear is natural with age, excessive or premature tooth wear can indicate underlying issues that need attention.

Let’s break it down: what causes tooth wear, why it matters, and how to prevent it.

What Causes Tooth Wear?

Tooth wear doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. It’s usually a sign that your teeth are dealing with more stress than they should. Here are some common causes:

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)

Tooth wear doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. It’s usually a sign that your teeth are dealing with more stress than they should. Here are some common causes:

Acid Reflux and Diet

Tooth wear doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. It’s usually a sign that your teeth are dealing with more stress than they should. Here are some common causes:

Malocclusion (Bad Bite)

When your bite is misaligned, teeth may hit each other in the wrong spots. This can cause the front teeth to collide rather than glide, accelerating wear, fractures, and discomfort.

Decay and Weak Enamel

Cavities or previously weakened areas of your teeth are more vulnerable to breaking down or chipping during everyday use.

What About the Front Teeth?

Your front teeth, especially the canines, play a bigger role than just giving you a great smile. They’re designed to be sharp—not worn down—because they help guide your bite.

This is called canine guidance:

When you move your jaw side to side, the canines act like a guide rail, gently separating the back teeth so they don’t rub or grind. This reduces friction and stress on your back molars and prevents damage.

But when the canines are worn down or your bite is misaligned, that smooth guidance is lost. Your front teeth may collide instead of sliding. Over time, this leads to more chipping, wear, and stress on your teeth or any restorations (like veneers or fillings).

How We Help Protect Your Teeth

The good news? Tooth wear is manageable—and in many cases, preventable or reversible with the right care.

✔️ We assess bite dynamics, looking at how your teeth come together and move against each other.
✔️ We use tools like digital scans to monitor wear over time.
✔️ If you’re grinding, we can create a nightguard to protect your teeth.
✔️ We may recommend Invisalign or orthodontics to correct your bite so teeth slide smoothly instead of clashing.
✔️ For teeth already damaged, veneers or bonding can rebuild and protect them—especially when paired with a healthier bite.

If you’ve noticed chipped teeth, flattening, or sensitivity, it might not just be from “getting older.”
Tooth wear is a sign your teeth are working too hard—sometimes in ways they weren’t meant to.

Let’s make sure your smile is working with you, not against you. Schedule a consultation and we’ll take a look together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tooth Wear

1. What is tooth wear?

Tooth wear is the gradual loss of enamel and changes in the shape of your teeth due to grinding, acid, or bite issues.

2. What causes tooth wear?

Common causes include teeth grinding (bruxism), acidic foods and drinks, bad bite alignment, and weak enamel from decay.

3. How can I tell if I have tooth wear?

Signs include chipped or flattened teeth, thinning enamel, increased sensitivity, and teeth looking shorter or dull.

4. Can tooth wear be prevented?

Yes! Preventive measures include using a nightguard, reducing acidic foods, correcting your bite, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

5. Can tooth wear be treated?

Yes. Treatments include bonding, veneers, or orthodontics to rebuild worn teeth and improve bite alignment.

Our Services

Crown and Bridge | Tooth Filling | Dental Implants | Invisalign | Teeth Whitening | Veneers | Root Canal Treatment | Pediatric Treatment

See how real patients transformed their smiles in our Smile Makeover case study from Portland.