Tooth neck wear is one of those conditions patients don’t notice until it becomes bothersome. I’m Dr. Emily Nguyen, Principal Dentist at Picasso Dental Clinic, and I want to explain what causes this common problem and how to prevent further damage based on treating over 70,000 patients.
The Brushing Factor: Too Much Force
Brushing too hard is the number one cause I see. Many patients believe vigorous scrubbing equals cleaner teeth, but the gumline area has thinner enamel that wears away easily. Using a hard bristled brush makes this worse.
I’ve treated patients from 65 nationalities at Picasso Dental Clinic, and this aggressive brushing habit crosses all cultures. The damage appears as wedge shaped notches right where the tooth meets the gum. Left canines and premolars often show the most wear because right handed people apply more pressure on that side.
Switch to a soft bristled brush immediately if you see any notching. Use gentle circular motions instead of harsh back and forth scrubbing. The goal is plaque removal, not enamel removal.
Acid Erosion: The Hidden Culprit
Acidic foods and beverages soften tooth enamel, making it vulnerable to brushing damage. Citrus fruits, soda, wine, and even healthy foods like tomatoes contribute. When you brush within 30 minutes of consuming acids, you literally scrub away softened enamel.
At our Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City clinics, I see this combination effect frequently. Patients drink lemon water in the morning for health benefits, then brush immediately after. This routine accelerates neck wear significantly.
What I tell patients is to wait at least 30 minutes after acidic foods before brushing. Rinse with plain water right after eating to neutralize acids. If you can’t wait to brush, use an extra soft brush with minimal pressure.
Grinding and Clenching: Stress Related Wear
Teeth grinding (bruxism) creates flexing forces at the tooth neck. This stress causes microscopic fractures in the enamel, which then chip away more easily during brushing. Many patients grind at night without realizing it.
Signs you might be grinding include waking with jaw soreness, flattened tooth surfaces, or noticing the wear pattern on multiple teeth simultaneously. In my decade at Picasso Dental Clinic, I’ve fitted hundreds of night guards to protect against this damage.
A custom night guard prevents the grinding forces from reaching the tooth neck area. Combined with gentler brushing, this stops progression in most cases.
Gum Recession Makes It Worse
When gums recede, they expose the softer root surface below the enamel. This root surface (called cementum) wears away much faster than enamel. The combination of exposed roots plus aggressive brushing creates deep grooves quickly.
Gum recession has its own causes: gum disease, aging, genetics, and yes, aggressive brushing again. Treating the recession and changing habits together gives the best results.
Treatment and Prevention
Once neck wear occurs, I can restore teeth with tooth colored composite fillings that bond directly to the damaged area. These fillings look natural and protect the exposed tooth structure. At our Hanoi and Da Lat clinics, this is a common same day procedure.
Prevention is always better. Use a soft brush, brush gently, avoid brushing right after acidic foods, and wear a night guard if you grind. These simple changes stop progression in nearly every patient I treat.
If you’re concerned about tooth neck wear or want to prevent it, I’m available to evaluate your specific situation at any of our Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat.
