Teeth Attrition: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
31st Dec 2025
Teeth naturally wear down a little as we get older, but sometimes the wear can be faster or more serious. This is called teeth attrition.
If you’ve noticed your teeth looking flatter, chipped, or feeling sensitive, you might be experiencing it. Teeth attrition can affect how your teeth look, how they feel, and even how you chew.
We’ll explain what teeth attrition is, what causes it, how to spot it early, and simple ways to protect your smile.
What Is Teeth Attrition?
Teeth attrition is the gradual wearing down of your teeth from regular contact with other teeth. Over time, the biting surfaces can become flatter or thinner.
How It’s Different From Other Tooth Wear
Erosion: Caused by acids from food, drinks, or stomach acid.
Abrasion: Caused by brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush.
Note: While some wear is normal with age, excessive attrition can lead to tooth sensitivity, cracks, and even changes in your bite. Spotting it early can help protect your smile.
Symptoms of Teeth Attrition
Teeth attrition often happens slowly, so you may not notice it right away. Common signs include:
- Flattened or shorter teeth due to worn-down biting surfaces
- Chipped or rough edges on the teeth
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Jaw soreness or tightness, especially in the morning
- Teeth that feel uneven when you bite or chew
Note: If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist. Catching attrition early can help prevent further damage and discomfort.
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Causes of Teeth Attrition
Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it. This constant pressure can wear down your teeth over time.
A study shows that bruxism is one of the main causes of dental attrition, especially when left unmanaged.
Aging
It’s natural for teeth to wear a little as we get older. Normal chewing and biting gradually smooth the surfaces of your teeth.
Research has shown that dental attrition is a physiological process commonly observed as a normal part of aging.
Diet and Habits
Chewing very hard foods, biting nails, or using teeth as tools can speed up wear. Acidic foods and drinks can also weaken enamel, making attrition worse.
A study found that acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit juices can make the surface of your teeth rougher and weaker, which makes them wear down faster.
Misaligned or Crowded Teeth
If your teeth don’t line up properly, some teeth may take more pressure than others, causing uneven wear. Malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth, can result in abnormal tooth contact and increased attrition.
A study on adults with misaligned teeth found that people with crooked or uneven bites were more likely to have worn-down teeth compared to those with properly aligned teeth.
Prevention of Teeth Attrition
Wear a Night Guard
Wearing a custom night guard can protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep.
Reduce Stress
Stress can trigger teeth grinding. Try simple relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretches before bedtime.
Mind Your Habits and Diet
Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails. Limit acidic foods and drinks that can weaken enamel and speed up wear.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups help catch early signs of attrition. Your dentist can suggest protective solutions before the wear becomes serious.
Related Articles:
- How to Get Used to Wearing a Night Guard
- The Relationship Between Bruxism and Stress
- Bruxism Diet To Manage Symptoms Of Bruxism
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Treatment Options for Teeth Attrition
If you’ve already noticed signs of tooth attrition, don’t worry, there are effective ways to restore and protect your teeth. The right treatment depends on how much wear has occurred and what’s causing it.
Dental Bonding or Veneers
If your teeth are worn or chipped, a dentist can use bonding or veneers to restore their shape and protect them from further damage.
Orthodontic Treatment
Misaligned or crowded teeth can cause uneven wear. Braces or aligners can help fix the bite and reduce future attrition.
Enamel Strengthening Treatments
Your dentist may recommend special fluoride treatments or remineralizing products to strengthen your enamel and make your teeth more resistant to wear.
Pro tip: Always consult your dentist to choose the best treatment for your situation. Early action can prevent further damage and keep your smile healthy for years.
Teeth Attrition vs. Teeth Erosion: What’s the Difference?
Teeth attrition and teeth erosion both cause tooth wear, but they happen for different reasons.
Teeth Attrition
Attrition happens when teeth wear down from tooth-to-tooth contact. This is often caused by grinding or clenching (bruxism) or normal chewing over time. Attrition usually affects the biting edges of the teeth and can make them look flatter or shorter.
Teeth Erosion
Erosion happens when acid wears away tooth enamel. This acid can come from foods and drinks like soda, citrus fruits, and fruit juices, or from stomach acid due to reflux. Erosion often makes teeth look thinner, smoother, or more translucent.
Note: If you’re not sure which type of wear you have, a dentist can help identify the cause and recommend the right solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is tooth attrition reversible?
Mild wear is normal and can’t be completely reversed, but treatments like bonding, veneers, or enamel-strengthening products can restore and protect your teeth.
Can children get teeth attrition?
Yes, children can grind their teeth, especially at night, which may cause attrition. Early dental check-ups can help spot and prevent damage.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
If you notice teeth grinding, jaw pain, chipped teeth, or flattened edges, a dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your smile.
Does tooth attrition affect tooth color or appearance?
Yes, worn enamel can make teeth look shorter, flatter, or slightly discolored. Cosmetic treatments can help restore their appearance.
Can I prevent attrition at home?
Simple habits like reducing stress, avoiding hard objects, limiting acidic foods, and wearing a night guard can help prevent further wear.
Conclusion
Teeth attrition can lead to sensitivity, chips, and changes in your bite if left unchecked. The good news is that early prevention and treatment can make a big difference.
Simple steps like wearing a custom-fit night guard, managing stress, watching your habits and diet, and visiting your dentist regularly can protect your teeth and keep your smile healthy.
Remember, taking care of your teeth today helps you enjoy a strong, confident smile for years to come.
References:
- Shetty, S., Pitti, V., Satish Babu, C. L., Surendra Kumar, G. P., & Deepthi, B. C. (2010). Bruxism: A Literature Review. Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, 10(3), 141-148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13191-011-0041-5
- Chan, A. K. Y., Tsang, Y. C., Lai, E. H. H., & Chu, C. H. (2024). Tooth wear in older adults: A review of clinical studies. Geriatrics, 9(1), Article 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9010012
- Kumar, N., Amin, F., Dahri, W. M., Khan, S., Zaidi, H., Rahman, S., Farhan, T., Mahmood, S. J., Asghar, M. A., Zafar, M. S. (2024). Impact of acidic beverages on composition and surface characteristics of human teeth: scanning electron microscopic, stereomicroscopic and energy dispersive x-ray analyses. BMC Oral Health, 24, Article 837. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04491-4
- Jain, R. K., Mohamed Shukri, N., & Balasubramaniam, A. (2021). Prevalence and severity of attrition among adult Class II Division I malocclusion patients. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, 11(S2), 304-309. https://www.amhsr.org/articles/prevalence-and-severity-of-attrition-among-adult-class-ii-division-i-malocclusion-patients.pdf
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
