What Is Dental Attrition? Understanding Tooth Wear from Grinding or Clenching
It starts slowly—maybe you’ve noticed your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, or your once-smooth molars now have flatter, worn-down surfaces. You might wake up with jaw pain or find that your smile looks slightly different. These subtle changes could be a sign of dental attrition, a condition that often goes unnoticed until significant wear has occurred. While brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups are well-known pillars of oral health, there’s another silent factor to be aware of: the physical act of grinding or clenching your teeth. Understanding dental attrition and how it differs from other forms of tooth wear is essential for protecting the longevity, function, and appearance of your smile.
What Is Dental Attrition and How Does It Occur?
Dental attrition is the progressive loss of tooth structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact. It commonly affects the biting (occlusal) and incisal surfaces of the teeth, particularly the molars and incisors. This type of wear is mechanical in nature, resulting from repeated friction caused by clenching or grinding—especially during sleep.
Unlike dental erosion (which stems from acidic exposure) or abrasion (which results from external mechanical forces like overbrushing), attrition happens internally as teeth rub against each other during functional or parafunctional habits such as bruxism.
What Are the Causes of Dental Attrition?
Several factors can contribute to this condition, including:
Bruxism (teeth grinding): This is the most common contributor. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without realising it.
Clenching: Often stress-induced, clenching can exert excessive force on teeth, leading to gradual wear.
Malocclusion: A misaligned bite can create abnormal contact between teeth, accelerating attrition.
Age: Natural wear over time can contribute to gradual attrition.
Sleep disorders: Conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea may coincide with bruxism.
What Signs Should You Look For?
Dental attrition often progresses silently, but there are signs to watch for:
Flattened or smooth chewing surfaces
Shortened teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Cracks or chipping in teeth
Yellowing (dentine exposure)
Jaw pain or muscle tightness
Headaches, especially in the morning
What Happens If Dental Attrition Is Left Untreated?
When tooth wear is not addressed early, it can result in serious functional and aesthetic issues:
Progressive enamel loss
Dentine exposure leading to sensitivity
Increased risk of tooth fractures or breakage
Bite misalignment
TMJ dysfunction or chronic jaw pain
Shortened facial height and altered smile aesthetics
How Is Dental Attrition Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive dental examination where your Emergency dentist may:
Visually assess wear patterns
Check for occlusal facets (flattened areas from grinding)
Take intraoral photographs or impressions
Evaluate jaw joint function and muscle tenderness
Discuss potential causes including stress, habits, or misalignment
What Are the Treatment Options for Dental Attrition?
Managing dental attrition involves both preventing further wear and restoring lost tooth structure:
Protective Strategies:
Occlusal splints or nightguards: These are custom-made mouthguards worn at night to prevent grinding and clenching damage.
Behavioural management: Addressing stress and anxiety through therapy, mindfulness, or lifestyle changes.
Orthodontic treatment: If malocclusion is a factor, correcting the bite can reduce future wear.
Restorative Solutions:
Composite bonding: Rebuilds worn tooth edges and protects dentine.
Crowns or overlays: Provide full-coverage protection and restore function.
Regular dental monitoring: Frequent check-ups to catch changes early.
What’s the Difference Between Attrition, Abrasion, and Erosion?
To better understand the distinction between common forms of tooth wear, refer to the table below:
Dental Attrition vs Abrasion vs Erosion
| Feature | Attrition | Abrasion | Erosion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Tooth-to-tooth contact | Mechanical force (e.g., brushing) | Chemical exposure (acidic foods/drinks or reflux) |
| Location | Biting and chewing surfaces | Gumline or root surface | Smooth surfaces, especially front teeth |
| Appearance | Flattened or worn edges | Notching near the gumline | Rounded, scooped-out enamel loss |
| Progression | Gradual, related to grinding | Localized, based on behavior | Varies depending on acid exposure |
What Increases the Risk of Tooth Wear from Grinding or Clenching?
Some factors can significantly heighten the likelihood of attrition:
Risk Assessment Chart
| Risk Factor | Impact Level |
|---|---|
| Night-time grinding (bruxism) | High |
| Stress and anxiety | High |
| Bite misalignment | Moderate |
| Poor sleep quality | Moderate |
| Lack of protective appliances | High |
| Irregular dental check-ups | Moderate |
How Can You Prevent Dental Attrition?
Preventive care is essential to stop attrition from progressing:
Wear a professionally fitted nightguard to protect teeth during sleep
Practise stress management techniques to reduce clenching and grinding
Avoid habits like chewing pens or fingernails
Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor wear early
Address bite issues through orthodontic consultation
Where Can You Seek Help for Tooth Wear and Grinding Issues?
If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above—or simply want peace of mind—Southlakes Dental offers tailored solutions for managing dental attrition. Our team provides comprehensive care, from precise diagnosis to advanced restorative treatments, ensuring both the function and aesthetics of your smile are preserved. We take the time to understand the underlying cause of your tooth wear, whether it’s stress, misalignment, or nocturnal grinding, and create a personalised treatment plan just for you. Whether you need a custom nightguard, bite correction, or restoration of your worn teeth, Southlakes Dental combines experience, state-of-the-art tools, and patient-focused care to deliver outstanding results in a calming environment.
References
Australian Dental Association. (2024). Bruxism and tooth wear.
Oral Health CRC. (2023). Tooth Wear – Causes and Management. University of Melbourne.
Centre for Oral Health Strategy NSW. (2022). Tooth surface loss guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main cause of dental attrition?
Dental attrition is primarily caused by chronic grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. This repetitive contact leads to gradual enamel wear.
2. Can dental attrition be reversed?
While lost enamel cannot regenerate, the damage from attrition can be restored through dental treatments such as bonding, overlays, or crowns.
3. How can I tell if I grind my teeth at night?
Signs include morning jaw soreness, flattened teeth, chipped enamel, headaches, or being told by a partner that you grind in your sleep.
4. Are nightguards effective in preventing tooth wear?
Yes, a custom-fitted nightguard is one of the most effective tools to protect teeth from further damage caused by grinding or clenching.
5. Is dental attrition painful?
It can become painful when the enamel is worn down enough to expose the dentine, leading to sensitivity and discomfort during chewing.
6. How often should I see a dentist if I have dental attrition?
Regular six-monthly check-ups are important, but your dentist dubbo may recommend more frequent reviews to monitor tooth wear progression and adjust your treatment as needed.
