How Can You Tell Whether Tooth Wear Comes From Grinding, Acid, or Brushing?

Tooth wear can result from teeth grinding, frequent exposure to acidic foods and beverages, or aggressive toothbrushing. Each cause affects teeth differently: grinding commonly creates flattened chewing surfaces, acid exposure produces smooth and sometimes cupped enamel, and excessive brushing can contribute to worn areas near the gumline. Because these processes can occur together, a dentist must evaluate the pattern of wear, oral health history, and daily habits to identify the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment.

Have you noticed that your teeth look shorter, feel more sensitive, or appear flatter than they used to? Perhaps the edges of your front teeth seem thinner, small grooves have developed near your gums, or the chewing surfaces of your molars look unusually smooth. These changes may indicate dental wear, a condition that gradually removes the protective structure of natural teeth.

Many people assume that worn teeth are simply a normal part of aging. However, excessive tooth wear can develop because of repeated grinding, exposure to acidic substances, or aggressive brushing. In some cases, multiple factors contribute to the same problem, making the actual cause difficult to identify without a professional dental examination.

Understanding the differences between grinding-related wear, acid erosion, and brushing-related abrasion can help you recognize early warning signs and protect your natural teeth before significant damage occurs.

What Is Tooth Wear and Why Does It Happen?

Tooth wear is the gradual loss of natural tooth structure caused by physical contact, chemical exposure, or a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. Unlike cavities, which develop through bacteria-driven acid activity, non-carious tooth wear can occur without bacterial involvement.

According to the UK Government’s Delivering Better Oral Health clinical guidance, tooth wear primarily involves three mechanisms:

Dental attrition: Physical tooth structure loss caused by contact between opposing teeth, commonly associated with grinding and clenching.
Dental erosion: Chemical loss of tooth minerals caused by acids from food, beverages, or stomach contents.
Dental abrasion: Physical wear caused by external objects, such as toothbrushes or other materials rubbing against tooth surfaces.

The International Dental Federation (FDI) also recognizes these three mechanisms as important contributors to tooth wear. The FDI explains that the mechanisms can occur independently or together, making accurate diagnosis and identification of contributing factors essential.

How Are Grinding, Acid Erosion, and Brushing Different?

The location, shape, and appearance of damaged tooth surfaces can provide useful clues about the cause of tooth wear.

Feature	Grinding (Attrition)	Acid Exposure (Erosion)	Aggressive Brushing (Abrasion)
Main cause	Repeated contact between teeth	Exposure to dietary or stomach acids	Repeated physical friction from brushing or other objects
Common location	Chewing surfaces and front tooth edges	Chewing, front, and other exposed tooth surfaces	Near the gumline, particularly on exposed outer surfaces
Typical appearance	Flat, polished, worn-down surfaces	Smooth, glossy, rounded, or cupped surfaces	Grooves, notches, or worn areas near the gumline
Common symptoms	Jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity	Sensitivity to sweet, cold, or acidic foods	Sensitivity near the gumline
Associated habits	Nighttime grinding, daytime clenching	Frequent acidic drinks, reflux, vomiting	Hard brushing, excessive pressure, abrasive toothpaste
Prevention approach	Manage grinding and protect teeth	Reduce acid exposure and address underlying causes	Improve brushing technique and use suitable toothpaste

These patterns help dentists investigate the underlying cause, but appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. Tooth wear frequently involves overlapping mechanisms.

How Can You Tell If Tooth Wear Comes From Grinding?

Tooth wear caused by grinding commonly appears as flattened chewing surfaces, polished contact areas, and shortened front teeth. Grinding, medically known as bruxism, involves repeated clenching, grinding, or forceful contact between the upper and lower teeth.

Bruxism can happen during sleep or while someone is awake. Repeated contact places additional mechanical stress on enamel, dentin, existing fillings, and other dental restorations.

What Are the Common Signs of Teeth Grinding?

The most recognizable sign of grinding-related tooth wear is a flattened or polished area where opposing teeth repeatedly contact each other.

As grinding continues, additional signs may develop:

1. Flattened Chewing Surfaces

The natural contours of molars and premolars gradually become flatter. The raised cusps that normally help grind food may lose their original shape.

2. Worn or Shortened Front Teeth

The biting edges of front teeth may become shorter, flatter, or uneven. In more advanced cases, enamel loss can expose the underlying yellowish dentin.

3. Matching Wear Marks on Opposing Teeth

Dentists may observe corresponding flattened areas on upper and lower teeth. These matching wear facets can suggest repeated tooth-to-tooth contact.

4. Small Cracks or Chipped Tooth Edges

Excessive grinding forces can contribute to chipped enamel, fractured restorations, or cracks in natural teeth.

5. Increased Tooth Sensitivity

As enamel becomes thinner, the underlying dentin may become exposed, making teeth more sensitive to cold drinks, hot foods, and pressure.

Can Teeth Grinding Cause Jaw Pain and Headaches?

Yes. Repeated clenching and grinding can overload the muscles responsible for chewing, potentially causing jaw soreness, facial discomfort, headaches, and symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Some people notice:

Jaw stiffness after waking up.
Facial muscle tenderness.
Headaches, particularly around the temples.
Discomfort when opening the mouth.
Clicking or other jaw joint symptoms.

According to the NHS, bruxism can cause worn or broken teeth, increased sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and disturbed sleep.

However, these symptoms do not automatically confirm nighttime grinding. A dentist should assess the teeth, jaw muscles, and medical history before recommending treatment.

What Causes Adults to Grind Their Teeth?

Bruxism can have several contributing factors, and the underlying cause is not always clear.

Common associations include:

Stress and anxiety.
Sleep disturbances, including sleep-disordered breathing.
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Certain medications.
Smoking.
Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption.

The NHS identifies stress and anxiety as common factors associated with teeth grinding. Sleep-related factors and medication use may also contribute.

Glossary: Bruxism

Bruxism is repetitive jaw-muscle activity involving clenching, grinding, or forceful contact between teeth. Bruxism can occur during sleep or while awake.

How Can You Tell If Tooth Wear Comes From Acid Exposure?

Acid-related tooth wear typically creates smooth, shiny, rounded, or shallow cupped areas on the enamel. Unlike bacterial cavities, dental erosion occurs when acids directly dissolve minerals from tooth structure.

Common sources of acid exposure include:

Carbonated soft drinks.
Energy and sports drinks.
Fruit juices and acidic fruit beverages.
Citrus fruits, including lemons and grapefruit.
Vinegar-based foods.
Acidic candies.
Stomach acid associated with acid reflux or repeated vomiting.

The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages is associated with an increased risk of erosive tooth wear.

What Does Acid Erosion Look Like on Teeth?

Acid erosion often creates smooth or polished tooth surfaces rather than the clearly defined contact facets associated with grinding.

Common visual signs include:

Smooth and Glossy Enamel: The normal surface texture of enamel may become less noticeable. Affected areas can look unusually smooth, shiny, or glazed.
Rounded Tooth Edges: The biting edges of front teeth may gradually become thinner and more rounded because acids soften the enamel and contribute to progressive tissue loss.
Cupping on Chewing Surfaces: Small, shallow depressions may develop on the chewing surfaces of molars. These depressions can become deeper as the underlying dentin becomes exposed.
Increased Tooth Translucency: Thinning enamel can make the edges of front teeth appear more translucent than before.
Yellowish Tooth Appearance: When enamel becomes thinner and dentin becomes exposed, teeth may appear more yellow than their natural color.

The American Dental Association identifies a silky, glossy, or melted appearance, along with cupping and flattened chewing surfaces, as potential clinical signs of erosive tooth wear.

Can Acid Reflux Damage Your Teeth?

Yes. Acid reflux can contribute to dental erosion because stomach acid may travel upward into the esophagus and reach the mouth.

Gastric acid is highly acidic and can gradually dissolve minerals from exposed tooth surfaces. People experiencing frequent acid reflux may notice smooth enamel, increased sensitivity, or changes to the surfaces of their teeth.

Other possible sources of internal acid exposure include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
Frequent vomiting.
Certain eating disorders involving recurrent vomiting.

The pattern of erosion can provide clues about whether acid exposure comes from food and beverages or from the stomach. However, a dentist must consider the complete medical and dental history rather than diagnosing reflux from tooth appearance alone.

Persistent reflux symptoms should also be discussed with a physician because protecting dental enamel requires addressing the underlying medical problem.

Can Drinking Too Many Soft Drinks Cause Tooth Erosion?

Yes. Frequent consumption of acidic soft drinks can increase the risk of enamel erosion, particularly when beverages are consumed slowly throughout the day.

Repeated sipping exposes the teeth to acids more frequently, giving saliva less opportunity to dilute and neutralize the acidic environment.

Energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices, and certain flavored beverages may also contribute to erosive tooth wear.

The risk depends on the frequency of consumption, duration of exposure, beverage composition, and individual saliva production.

Practical tip: Keep acidic beverages to mealtimes rather than continuously sipping them between meals. Avoid swishing acidic drinks around the mouth, and rinse with plain water after consumption.

How Can You Tell If Tooth Wear Comes From Brushing?

Brushing-related abrasion occurs when repeated physical friction removes tooth structure. Excessive brushing pressure, aggressive horizontal scrubbing, and highly abrasive toothpaste can contribute to wear, particularly near the gumline.

Toothbrushing is important for preventing cavities and gum disease, but using excessive force does not make teeth cleaner. An unnecessarily aggressive brushing technique can damage exposed tooth surfaces and irritate the gums.

What Does Brushing-Related Tooth Wear Look Like?

Brushing-related wear commonly appears as grooves, notches, or worn areas close to the gumline, especially on the cheek-facing surfaces of teeth.

Look for the following possible signs:

Notches Near the Gumline: Small grooves may develop near the junction between the crown and root of a tooth. The grooves may appear V-shaped, wedge-shaped, or rounded.
Exposed Yellowish Tooth Structure: When the protective enamel is lost near the gumline, the underlying dentin may become visible and make the affected area appear yellowish.
Gum Recession: Aggressive brushing can contribute to gum trauma. Gum recession exposes the root surface, which is more vulnerable to wear and sensitivity than enamel-covered surfaces.
Localized Tooth Sensitivity: Brushing-related abrasion may expose dentin and create sensitivity when consuming cold beverages, touching the affected area, or brushing the teeth.
Uneven Wear on Certain Teeth: The teeth that receive the most brushing pressure may experience greater wear, especially when a person repeatedly scrubs the same areas with a firm toothbrush.

However, wedge-shaped defects near the gumline are not proof that brushing alone caused the damage. Acid erosion, mechanical forces, gum recession, and other factors can contribute to similar lesions.

Which Brushing Habits Can Contribute to Tooth Wear?

Certain brushing habits can increase mechanical stress on teeth and gums.

Brushing habit	Potential effect
Using excessive brushing pressure	Can contribute to abrasion and gum irritation
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush	May increase physical friction against vulnerable surfaces
Scrubbing repeatedly from side to side	Can create excessive localized friction
Using highly abrasive toothpaste	May increase wear when combined with aggressive brushing
Brushing exposed root surfaces aggressively	Can contribute to wear on softer root tissues

The UK Government’s dental prevention guidance recommends adapting inappropriate brushing techniques and avoiding highly abrasive toothpaste when managing mechanical tooth wear.

Glossary: Dental Abrasion

Dental abrasion is the physical loss of tooth structure caused by repeated contact with an external object, such as a toothbrush. Dental abrasion differs from dental attrition, which develops through direct contact between opposing teeth.

Can Tooth Wear Come From More Than One Cause?

Yes. Many patients develop tooth wear through a combination of grinding, acid erosion, and brushing-related abrasion rather than a single isolated cause.

This distinction is important because treating only one contributing factor may not stop the progression of tooth wear.

For example, a person who drinks acidic beverages frequently and grinds their teeth at night may experience more significant enamel loss than someone exposed to either factor individually.

The UK Government’s clinical guidance identifies tooth wear as a multifactorial condition involving interactions between chemical and mechanical processes.

How Do Different Causes of Tooth Wear Interact?

The three mechanisms can influence each other in several ways.

Acid Exposure Followed by Grinding

Acids can soften the tooth surface, making the remaining mineralized structure more vulnerable to mechanical wear. Grinding then places additional forces on the softened tooth surface.

Acid Exposure Combined With Aggressive Brushing

Repeated acid exposure can reduce surface hardness. Brushing aggressively after acid exposure may add mechanical abrasion to the chemically weakened surface.

Grinding Combined With Gum Recession

Grinding can contribute to excessive mechanical stress, while gum recession exposes the root surface. Exposed root dentin or cementum may become vulnerable to additional abrasion and erosion.

The interaction between erosion and mechanical wear is especially important because the combined processes can accelerate the loss of natural tooth structure.

How Do Dentists Determine the Actual Cause of Tooth Wear?

Dentists identify the cause of tooth wear by examining the location and appearance of affected teeth, reviewing patient habits, and assessing the progression of damage.

A single photograph or visible groove may not provide enough information to determine the underlying cause.

A professional evaluation generally involves the following steps:

Step 1: Examine the Affected Tooth Surfaces

The dentist evaluates flattened chewing surfaces, polished facets, smooth enamel, cupping, cervical grooves, and exposed dentin.

Step 2: Review Your Daily Habits

The dentist asks about nighttime grinding, daytime clenching, brushing technique, toothbrush type, toothpaste use, and dietary habits.

Step 3: Evaluate Acid Exposure

The dentist discusses soft drinks, sports beverages, citrus consumption, reflux symptoms, vomiting, and medications that may contribute to acid exposure or reduced saliva production.

Step 4: Check the Gums and Exposed Root Surfaces

The dentist examines gum recession, root exposure, and areas showing signs of cervical abrasion.

Step 5: Assess Your Bite and Jaw Muscles

The dentist checks how upper and lower teeth contact each other and looks for signs associated with grinding or excessive clenching.

Step 6: Document and Monitor Tooth Wear

The dentist may use clinical photographs, dental records, digital scans, or study models to document tooth structure and compare changes over time.

The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) is a clinical screening system that dentists may use to assess and record the severity of erosive tooth wear.

Monitoring is especially important because early wear may be difficult to recognize visually, and the rate of progression differs between patients.

What Treatments Are Available for Tooth Wear?

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, location, and extent of tooth structure lost. The first priority is identifying and controlling the contributing factors before considering restorative treatment.

Cause of tooth wear	Recommended management	Possible dental treatment
Teeth grinding	Address contributing habits and protect teeth from excessive contact	Custom night guard or occlusal splint when indicated
Acid erosion	Reduce dietary acid exposure and manage reflux or other medical causes	Fluoride-based preventive care and restorative treatment for advanced damage
Brushing-related abrasion	Improve brushing technique and use less abrasive products	Desensitizing care, bonding, or restoration when necessary
Combined tooth wear	Identify and manage each contributing mechanism	Individualized preventive and restorative treatment

How Is Grinding-Related Tooth Wear Treated?

Grinding-related wear is managed by reducing excessive mechanical stress and protecting the teeth from further damage.

Depending on the clinical findings, a dentist may recommend:

A custom-made night guard or occlusal splint.
Changes to habits associated with daytime clenching.
Stress-management strategies.
Assessment of sleep-related breathing problems when relevant.
Restorative treatment for significantly damaged teeth.

A custom night guard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, helping reduce direct tooth-to-tooth damage. A night guard does not necessarily stop the underlying grinding activity.

How Is Acid-Related Tooth Wear Treated?

Acid-related tooth wear requires reducing exposure to dietary or stomach acids and supporting the remaining tooth structure.

Dentists may recommend:

Reducing frequent consumption of acidic drinks.
Keeping acidic foods and beverages to mealtimes.
Rinsing the mouth with water after acid exposure.
Addressing acid reflux with appropriate medical guidance.
Improving saliva protection when dry mouth is present.
Using suitable fluoride toothpaste or additional preventive fluoride products.

For patients with substantial enamel loss, restorative options may include composite bonding, veneers, or crowns, depending on the location and extent of damage.

How Is Brushing-Related Tooth Wear Treated?

Brushing-related abrasion is managed by changing the mechanical habits that contribute to excessive wear.

A dentist may recommend:

Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Applying gentle pressure while brushing.
Using an appropriate fluoride toothpaste with lower abrasivity.
Avoiding repetitive aggressive horizontal scrubbing.
Addressing gum recession and exposed root surfaces.

When abrasion causes significant sensitivity or structural damage, a dentist may recommend a suitable restorative material to protect the affected area.

How Can You Prevent Tooth Wear From Grinding, Acid, and Brushing?

Preventing further tooth wear requires different habits depending on the underlying cause. A combination of preventive measures can protect enamel, reduce sensitivity, and preserve natural tooth structure.

1. How Can You Protect Your Teeth From Grinding?

Reduce unnecessary pressure on your teeth by becoming aware of clenching habits and discussing grinding symptoms with your dentist.

Consider these preventive measures:

Ask your dentist whether a custom night guard is appropriate.
Avoid keeping your teeth tightly pressed together when not chewing.
Practice relaxation techniques when stress contributes to clenching.
Maintain a consistent sleep routine.
Discuss snoring or possible sleep apnea symptoms with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Attend regular dental examinations to monitor wear progression.

2. How Can You Protect Your Teeth From Acid Erosion?

Reduce the frequency and duration of acid exposure to help protect enamel.

Follow these practical habits:

Limit frequent soft drinks, sports drinks, and acidic beverages.
Consume citrus fruits and acidic foods as part of meals rather than grazing throughout the day.
Drink plain water regularly.
Avoid holding or swishing acidic beverages around the mouth.
Rinse with plain water after consuming acidic foods or drinks.
Seek medical advice for persistent acid reflux or repeated vomiting.
Discuss persistent dry mouth with your dentist.

After vomiting, rinse with water rather than immediately brushing the teeth. The acidic exposure can make the tooth surface temporarily more vulnerable to mechanical abrasion.

3. How Can You Prevent Brushing-Related Abrasion?

Use a gentle brushing technique that removes plaque without applying excessive force.

The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Additional preventive habits include:

Hold your toothbrush gently rather than gripping it tightly.
Use small, controlled brushing movements.
Avoid aggressive side-to-side scrubbing.
Choose toothpaste appropriate for your oral health needs.
Replace worn toothbrushes regularly.
Ask your dentist to demonstrate proper brushing technique.

The objective is to maintain effective plaque removal without unnecessarily wearing down enamel or irritating the gums.

When Should You Visit a Dentist About Tooth Wear?

Schedule a dental examination when you notice changes in tooth shape, recurring sensitivity, exposed dentin, or visible grooves near the gumline.

Early assessment can help determine whether the wear is stable or progressing and identify the habits responsible for the damage.

The following signs deserve attention:

Front teeth appear shorter or more transparent.
Back teeth have flattened or cupped chewing surfaces.
Teeth feel unusually sensitive to temperature changes.
Grooves or notches appear near the gumline.
Fillings or other restorations become chipped.
Jaw soreness or headaches accompany suspected grinding.
Tooth wear becomes progressively more noticeable.

Seek prompt dental assessment for a broken tooth, sudden severe pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Facial swelling, fever with dental symptoms, or signs of infection require urgent evaluation. Difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency medical care.

Remember that tooth wear is not always painful during its early stages. Waiting until sensitivity or structural damage becomes severe may limit the available conservative treatment options.

Where Can You Get Tooth Wear Evaluation in Sea Girt, NJ?

Patients experiencing flattened teeth, enamel erosion, gumline grooves, or suspected grinding can benefit from a professional dental evaluation.

YourDentalist in Sea Girt, NJ, provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and periodontal dental services to help patients maintain their natural teeth and address changes affecting their oral health.

A dental examination can help identify signs of excessive wear, evaluate the surrounding tooth structure, and determine whether preventive care or restorative treatment is appropriate.

YourDentalist welcomes patients from Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Wall Township, Brielle, and surrounding Monmouth County communities.

Schedule a Dental Examination at YourDentalist

Practice: YourDentalist
Address: 2164 Highway 35, Building B, Sea Girt, NJ 08750
Phone: (732) 282-1400
Website: https://yourdentalist.com/

Office availability: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Friday and Saturday by appointment; Sunday closed. YourDentalist also lists same-day emergency appointments for dental emergencies. Contact the office directly to confirm availability.

Call YourDentalist to discuss changes in tooth shape, sensitivity, grinding symptoms, or other concerns about tooth wear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Wear

1. How Can I Tell Whether My Teeth Are Worn Down From Grinding or Acid?

Grinding commonly produces flattened, polished surfaces where opposing teeth contact each other. Acid erosion typically creates smooth, glossy surfaces, rounded edges, and cupping on chewing surfaces. A dentist evaluates the appearance and location of wear alongside dietary and dental history to identify the likely cause.

2. Can Brushing Too Hard Actually Wear Down Tooth Enamel?

Yes. Repeated aggressive brushing, particularly with abrasive toothpaste, can contribute to mechanical tooth wear. The risk may increase when enamel has already been softened by acids or when gum recession exposes the more vulnerable root surface.

3. Does Tooth Grinding Always Happen During Sleep?

No. Bruxism can occur during sleep or while awake. Sleep-related grinding may happen without a person realizing it, while awake bruxism commonly involves unconscious clenching during concentration, stress, or everyday activities.

4. Can Acidic Drinks Damage Teeth Even Without Sugar?

Yes. Sugar-free acidic drinks can still contribute to enamel erosion because acids can dissolve minerals directly from tooth surfaces without requiring bacterial sugar metabolism. Frequent consumption of acidic beverages can increase the risk of erosive tooth wear.

5. Can Tooth Wear Be Reversed Naturally?

No. Once enamel or dentin has been physically lost, the missing tooth structure cannot naturally regenerate. However, early enamel demineralization without permanent structural loss may be remineralized. Preventive care can also help control further damage.

6. Is Tooth Sensitivity a Sign of Enamel Wear?

Tooth sensitivity can indicate exposed dentin or other changes affecting tooth structure, but sensitivity does not always mean excessive wear is present. Cavities, gum recession, cracked teeth, and other conditions can produce similar symptoms. A dentist should identify the cause.

7. Can Acid Erosion and Teeth Grinding Happen Together?

Yes. Acid exposure can soften enamel, making the tooth surface more vulnerable to mechanical wear from grinding. When both processes occur together, tooth structure may be lost more rapidly than with either mechanism alone.

8. Which Toothbrush Is Best for Preventing Tooth Wear?

A soft-bristled toothbrush is generally recommended for effective plaque removal with less mechanical stress on teeth and gums. Use gentle brushing pressure and fluoride toothpaste rather than relying on aggressive scrubbing.

9. Can a Night Guard Stop Tooth Wear From Grinding?

A properly fitted night guard helps protect tooth surfaces from direct contact during grinding. However, a night guard does not necessarily stop the grinding activity itself. The dentist may recommend additional measures to address contributing factors.

10. Does Tooth Wear Mean I Need Dental Crowns?

No. Mild tooth wear may only require preventive care and regular monitoring. Depending on the extent of damage, dentists may consider composite bonding, veneers, onlays, or crowns. Treatment should be based on the amount of remaining healthy tooth structure and the patient’s functional needs.

Conclusion: How Can You Identify and Prevent the Causes of Tooth Wear?

Tooth wear from grinding, acid exposure, and aggressive brushing may look similar initially, but each mechanism has different contributing factors and characteristic patterns. Grinding commonly produces flattened contact surfaces, acid erosion creates smooth or cupped enamel, and brushing-related abrasion may develop as grooves near the gumline.

However, multiple mechanisms frequently interact, which makes identifying the underlying cause essential before beginning treatment. A professional dental evaluation can help distinguish the different patterns, assess whether tooth wear is progressing, and establish a preventive or restorative treatment plan.

Protecting natural teeth requires more than brushing regularly. Managing grinding habits, limiting frequent acid exposure, using gentle brushing techniques, and attending regular dental examinations can all help preserve enamel and maintain a healthy smile.

If you have noticed unusual tooth sensitivity, flattened teeth, or grooves near your gums, contact YourDentalist in Sea Girt, NJ, to discuss an examination and appropriate treatment options.