If you’ve noticed that your teeth appear thinner or more transparent than they used to, there are a few potential causes for this change that are worth exploring. Thinning teeth can be alarming, but there are ways to address the issue depending on the underlying cause.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about thinning teeth:
What causes teeth to thin?
The most common causes of teeth thinning are enamel erosion, gum recession, aging, genetics, and whitening treatments.
Are thinning teeth normal?
Some thinning is normal with age as enamel wears down. But excessive thinning can indicate an underlying problem.
Can thinning teeth be reversed?
In some cases yes, if the cause is enamel erosion. But thinning from gum recession, aging, or genetics cannot be reversed.
Is thinning teeth dangerous?
It can be. Thinning enamel leaves teeth more prone to cavities and breaks. Advanced thinning can lead to tooth loss.
How can I prevent further thinning?
Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, using fluoride toothpaste, getting dental sealants, and wearing a night guard can help prevent thinning.
What Causes Teeth to Become Thinner?
There are several potential causes of tooth thinning, including:
Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. It can become worn down and thin over time with excessive exposure to acidic foods and drinks. Acids essentially dissolve or “eat away” at the enamel. Frequent vomiting or reflux can also erode enamel.
Gum Recession
The gums provide a protective covering over the tooth roots. When the gums recede due to periodontal disease, more of the tooth root becomes exposed giving a thinner appearance.
Aging
Enamel naturally becomes thinner as people age. The older you get, the more enamel wears down from many years of chewing and exposure to food acids.
Genetics
Some people are just born with thinner enamel. Thin enamel can run in families.
Whitening Treatments
Tooth whitening treatments, such as strips, gels or laser whitening, can dehydrate the teeth and cause temporary thinning. This is usually reversible once treatments are discontinued.
Bruxism
Grinding or clenching the teeth, also called bruxism, puts excessive force on teeth and can gradually thin down the enamel over time.
Is It Normal for Teeth to Thin With Age?
A moderate amount of enamel thinning as you age is normal. But there is a difference between normal wear and excessive thinning that may indicate a problem:
- Normal thinning in adults typically shows as a slight transparency near the biting edges of the teeth.
- Moderate thinning does not cause sensitivity or expose large areas of the inner layer of the tooth called dentin.
- Excessive thinning can expose wide swaths of dentin, especially on the sides and backs of teeth. This can lead to severe sensitivity, discoloration, cracks, or cavities.
If you notice thinning occurring rapidly, on multiple teeth, or to the point of causing symptoms like pain, it is best to have your dentist evaluate the cause.
Can Thinning Teeth Be Reversed?
Whether thinning teeth can be reversed depends on the cause:
Enamel Erosion
If thinning is due to erosion from acidic foods or drinks, stopping the erosive habit and using fluoride treatments can help strengthen and remineralize weakened enamel. Early enamel erosion may be completely reversible.
Gum Recession
Thinning due to gum recession cannot be reversed, as receding gums do not grow back. But procedures like gum grafts can cover exposed root surfaces to protect them.
Aging
Age-related thinning cannot be reversed. But its progression can be slowed through good oral hygiene and avoidance of harmful habits.
Genetics
Thin enamel from genetics cannot be reversed. But HIGH FLUORIDE toothpaste and dental sealants can help strengthen enamel.
Whitening Treatments
Whitening-induced thinning is reversible once treatments are stopped. Refraining from whitening and using fluoride can help teeth rehydrate and regain lost mineral content.
Is Thinning Teeth Dangerous?
Thinning teeth are more prone to the following problems:
Cavities
Thin enamel is weaker and less able to resist decay. Bacteria can penetrate thin spots faster, leading to more cavities.
Tooth Sensitivity
Porous, weak enamel allows more exposure of the sensitive dentin layer underneath. This leads to pain from hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Cracks
Thinned enamel is more susceptible to cracking from chewing hard foods or grinding your teeth.
Breakage
Severely thinned teeth are fragile and at risk for fracture under pressure or trauma.
Discoloration
Thinning enamel can reveal the yellowish dentin beneath, causing teeth to look darker and stained.
Tooth Loss
In severe cases, excessive thinning compromises the tooth structure leading to the need for crowns, veneers, or extractions.
Tips to Prevent Further Tooth Thinning
You can help stop or slow thinning teeth by:
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing helps strengthen and protect enamel.
Using Fluoride Products
Fluoride mouthwash, prescription toothpaste, gels, and varnish help remineralize weakened enamel.
Avoiding Acidic Foods and Drinks
Limiting acidic items like citrus, carbonated drinks, wine, and tomato-based products protects enamel.
Getting Dental Sealants
Sealants act as a protective shield over grooves on back teeth where cavities form.
Using a Night Guard
Night guards distribute force from grinding/clenching and prevent wear on enamel.
Quitting Habits Like Clenching or Chewing Ice
Stopping habits that put excessive pressures on teeth allows thinning enamel to rebuild.
Going for Regular Dental Cleanings
Cleanings remove staining and tartar that can accelerate thinning in susceptible areas.
When to See a Dentist
Consult a dentist promptly if you notice any of the following:
- Sudden or severe tooth sensitivity
- Opacity or darker coloring of teeth
- Exposure of inner tooth near the gumlines
- Cracks, chips, or breaks in the teeth
- Pain when eating hot, cold or sweet foods
- Rapid thinning over a few months
The dentist can assess the cause and recommend treatments to repair and protect damaged enamel.
Dental Treatments for Thinning Teeth
Some dental treatments for thinning teeth include:
Enamel Remineralization
Fluoride and calcium treatments help reverse early enamel thinning and strengthen weak spots.
Bonding
Bonding agents are layered over areas of thinning to add bulk and seal exposed dentin.
Porcelain Veneers or Crowns
Veneers and crowns reinforce severely weakened teeth and give the appearance of thicker enamel.
Gum Grafts
Grafting surgery covers exposed root surfaces when thinning is due to gum recession.
Prognosis
The outlook for thinning teeth depends on the underlying cause and extent of damage. Mild to moderate enamel thinning from erosion, aging, or whitening can often be reversed and stabilized through good dental habits and fluoride treatments. But thinning from gum recession, genetics, or severe enamel loss may continue to worsen over time without aggressive protective measures.
Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways about thinning teeth:
- Common causes include enamel erosion, gum recession, aging, genetics, and whitening side effects.
- Some thinning from enamel erosion may be reversible with dental treatments.
- Thin enamel leaves teeth prone to cavities, sensitivity, cracks, and breaks.
- Practicing good oral care and avoiding enamel erosion can help prevent thinning.
- See a dentist promptly if thinning is causing noticeable symptoms or rapid change.
While no one wants to notice their teeth thinning over time, this condition can often be managed or reversed if caught early. Pay attention for signs of thinning and be vigilant about dental checkups, proper oral hygiene, and avoiding enamel erosion for the healthiest smile.
