New Jersey Cosmetic Dentist Thomas Streko: Don’t Let Your Teeth Wear Out Before You Do!
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by: MattCBA
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Most people think their teeth were built to last forever. The truth, however, is that just like the rest of your body, your teeth can suffer from the effects of everyday wear and tear. This can affect the way they function and the way they look – turning a beautiful smile into one that looks and feels tired and old.
From a technical standpoint, tooth wear is the loss of part of the surface of one or more teeth that is not caused by a disease, like cavities or gum disease, or an injury, like chipping it on a piece of ice. There are three basic categories of tooth wear: called attrition, abrasion and erosion.
Attrition
The term attrition refers to tooth surfaces wearing down due to contact with other teeth. It is a very normal type of tooth wear and is part of the aging process. However, bad habits like grinding or clenching teeth can cause attrition to be more serious, or happen faster. How much teeth are affected depends on how strong they are.
Attrition flattens back teeth and makes front teeth shorter, which can change a person’s appearance. If it goes far enough to expose parts of the dentin (the part of teeth under the enamel), it can cause sensitivity to heat and cold.
Abrasion
People who brush their teeth too zealously or use a toothbrush with hard bristles can suffer from abrasion. Although the situation is rare, it can be serious when it occurs in combination with other types of tooth wear, such as when dentin is already exposed from attrition or erosion as dentin erodes much faster than enamel. To avoid this type of tooth wear, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and a toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association.
Erosion
Erosion occurs when acids in the mouth eat away at the surface of a tooth. This can be triggered by certain foods and beverages, including
Carbonated beverages
Lemons, limes and other citrus fruits
Fruit juices
Vinegar and salad dressings
Yogurt
Avoiding these foods entirely may not work for everyone, but there are ways to lessen their impact on teeth. They key is to eat or drink them with other foods, and to drink water or, even better, brush your teeth afterward to remove the acid from your mouth.
Stomach acids can also cause tooth erosion. These acids can travel to your mouth because of conditions like heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux, conditions that cause vomiting like bulimia or morning sickness during pregnancy, or even overeating or drinking too much.
Treating Tooth Wear
The good news about tooth wear is that it doesn’t have to be forever. The effects can be easily treated by a trained cosmetic dentist. Solutions include veneers and porcelain crowns designed to restore teeth too their former size, color and strength. Talk to your dentist about the best way to repair your tooth erosion and create your perfect smile.
Westfield, New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Streko performs a wide range of cosmetic treatments to help create your perfect smile. Find out more about Dr. Streko’s practice at www.drstreko.com or call his office at 866-512-7885.
About the Author
About Dr. Thomas Streko, D.M.D.: Dr. Thomas Streko has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry for more than 20 years in New Jersey, and is committed to remaining on the leading edge of dental technologies and treatment. General and Cosmetic Dentistry Education and Training: Dr. Thomas Streko received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and went on to receive his D.M.D. from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1978. After graduation, Dr. Streko completed a three-year residency in the U.S. Public Health Service at the National Institute of Health. In 1991, Dr. Streko became an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – a distinguished honor bestowed on those who have completed more than 200 hours of cosmetic dentistry continuing education. He has also presented numerous cosmetic treatment cases throughout Union County, New Jersey, including photographic documentation, and passed rigorous oral and written examinations given by the academy’s board. The program is extensive, and there are only a handful of accredited members in New Jersey. Dr. Thomas Streko is presently working toward his fellowship in the academy. Once achieved, he will be the only dentist in the entire state of New Jersey to attain fellowship status with the academy. He is also a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the New Jersey Dental Association. Continuing Education and Community Involvement: Dr. Thomas Streko remains on the leading edge of dental treatment and technology by taking 100 hours of continuing education each year. He also shares his depth of experience with others, teaching cosmetic dentistry to dental interns at Overlook Hospital in Union County, New Jersey. In addition, he is the program coordinator for the New Jersey division of Give Back a Smile. The program, sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, provides free dental treatment to battered women. To learn more about New Jersey cosmetic dentistry and Dr. Thomas Streko, please visit http://www.DrStreko.com
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