Is there any known treatment for thinning tooth enamel or toothbrush abrasion?

Question

Is there any known treatment for thinning tooth enamel or toothbrush abrasion?

Answer 1

Yes, there are treatments.  I have thin tooth enamel due to whitening treatments, over-brushing, and grinding my teeth when I sleep, and my teeth used to hurt all the time because they were so sensitive.  The three things that have helped me the most are prescription toothpaste, in-office fluoride treatments, and an electric toothbrush.  

In the beginning, my dentist gave me prescription toothpaste (Colgate PreviDent) to use for a year or so, which really helped.  There was also a rinse available, but I found the toothpaste worked better for me as it helps with sensitivity and I wanted something to use every day (I think the rinse is a 1x week thing).  Now I use non-prescription sensitive toothpaste - Colgate Sensitive - but you can use Sensodyne or other brands too.  I just like Colgate's flavor the best.  You should also use an over-the-counter fluoride rinse as well, but I have to admit I'm not faithful about using it as I am worried about my teeth getting too yellow  and now that my teeth don't hurt as much I'm allowing my vanity to affect my treatment choices.

My dentist gives me fluoride treatments in the office every 6 months, which helps with the thin enamel.  These are the same as you got when you were a kid, but they only use them on adults (I'm 37) like me or you with problem teeth.  My dental insurance doesn't pay for them, but my dentist only charges me $18 for the treatment, and I think it's worth it.

Lastly, get an electric toothbrush!  I used to press very hard on my teeth with a regular brush, and now that I have the electric toothbrush my teeth are in much better shape.  Also, use a soft brush-head.  Like most people, I always used to get the medium or hard heads and brush the heck out of my teeth to get them cleaner/whiter, but I did a lot of damage to my teeth.  For the electric brush, I got a good price at Amazon.com, but you can also find them for about $45 at the drugstore, Target, Costco, etc.  The best is the kind that turns off or beeps if you brush too hard, but I got the cheaper version that just has two speeds and it works fine.

My dentist also gave me a nightguard - not to fix the thin enamel, but he was afraid I would crack my teeth at night because the enamel was thin and I grind the heck out of them.  Didn't work for me - I couldn't sleep with something in my mouth.  But do try the other suggestions - it's worth making an investment in buying the electric brush and paying for the fluoride treatment, considering that a replacement tooth these days costs more than my first car.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have experienced this and have found that Arm & Hammer Liquid Enamel toothpaste works brilliantly ... my teeth are less sensitive and my toothbrush abrasion damage has been improved.... also the way you brush your teeth contributes as well.... hold the toothbrush at the handle, not the neck - you want to get full flexibility with the toothbrush, holding it at the neck means you have to use more force to move the brush and so transfer that force into how hard you brush your teeth... as well make sure you use your toothbrush at a 45degree angle, not 90 degrees as I have done ... the best way you know you are brushing correctly is to feel the bristles of the brush flick against your teeth in your brushing movement, if you're not doing it right the bristles will feel more like a block movement.... regular brushing (twice a day is enough) together with good flossing and you should be well on your way to restoring your teeth to a better condition.....

:)

Answer 3

Sensodyne pronamel toothpaste is supposed to strengthen tooth enamel, though I am not sure what the clinical success is on this.

For toothbrush abrasion cavities, small, white fillings can be placed to cover the area of erosion.

You could ask your dentist or hygienist for advice on the best way to brush your teeth to avoid abrasion cavities