Dental abrasion

Definition of dental abrasion

The term dental abrasion can be defined in two different ways. You can refer to the wear of the tooth or teeth, especially the misuse of toothbrushes or sticks are often used. At other times, dental abrasion or air abrasion is a dental technique that can be used instead of dental drills to remove small amounts of tooth decay through air.

The first definition of dental abrasion or erosion can occur in a variety of circumstances and can damage the teeth. A very common cause of dental abrasion is due to bad dental brushing, usually in bad direction and making it very strong.

Dental abrasion

This can result in the teeth having a jagged aspect, especially around the gum line. Dentists often remind patients that constant and hard brushing is not the best thing for teeth. In contrast, frequent brushing with a soft brush will help minimize tooth decay without causing damage to the teeth, especially when combined with regular flossing.

It can take years to see the dramatic result that can lead to tooth erosion, but feeling the change in teeth can be noticed in a short time. Damage to the outer lining of teeth can cause toothache and tooth sensitivity to temperature. Regular dental examinations can detect signs of dental abrasion from the onset, before they get worse, and the dentist can make recommendations on how to minimize that abrasion in the future. Sometimes, severe abrasion may require filling or other treatment.

The other form of dental abrasion refers to a technique that does not employ a dental drill. It is a technique called air abrasion , and this procedure uses compressed air to blow dust a type of special metal based on a tooth to remove decay. It can be a particularly useful technique for those who are afraid of the noises and vibrations of the dental drill. In addition, there may be no need for any type of anesthesia during treatment, although some people report mild discomfort during air abrasion.

Air abrasion does not always work. Deep caries requires traditional drilling in order to properly fill. However, it may be effective for decay near the surface of the tooth.

Causes of dental abrasion

Both dental abrasion and erosion are two types of damage where the outer covering of the tooth, the enamel, is worn. Sometimes they also affect deeper parts of the tooth. The causes of abrasion and erosion are different.

Dental abrasion is caused by something when rubbed or scratched against teeth. Too hard brushing is a common cause of abrasion. Toothpicks can cause abrasion.

The purpose of brushing is to remove food particles from around the teeth to clean them and get a fresh breath. The food usually builds up as a plaque, whitish in color around the gum line. With the brushing of the teeth the brush is worn around the teeth, but often also against the gum line and perhaps a little higher in the gums themselves. If too much force is placed on the toothbrush as it is advanced around the gums, which are very fragile and weak, they cannot cope with excessive force for too long. And in reality, what happens over time and this bad habit of brushing is that the gums recede.

Chemicals such as acids cause dental erosion. Usually, the acids are in citrus and other foods. Acids in the stomach can also cause erosion if they reach the throat and mouth. This problem is known as acid reflux. People eating disorders like bulimia can get dental erosion due to repeated vomiting. Even chlorine and other chemicals in a pool can cause erosion over time.

Treatments for dental abrasion

First you must learn how to brush their teeth properly. Regular brushing should be maintained, especially after meals. But do it with a soft toothbrush and a light touch and with an up and down movement against the teeth to minimize destruction. No matter if the toothbrush is manual or electric, both types can cause the same problem.

Since the gingiva does not grow back, as long as the patient feels comfortable, without sensitivity or deep indentations, it can be left like this.

Some patients with high aesthetic requirements choose to undergo plastic surgery on gums to replace gum in place or to cut the gum from another part of the mouth in order to cover the teeth where the gum line has gone away.

Symptoms of dental abrasion

Abrasion or dental erosion causes the notches to be V-shaped in the lower third of the teeth, near the gum line, leaving a toothed appearance. Some similar notches may also occur as a result of the force on the chewing surface of the teeth. These notches are called lesions dental abrasion. They have a different cause of abrasion, but they can make the notch worse.

Dental erosion looks different from abrasion. Erosion leaves a smooth area excavated on the surface of the tooth.

Both abrasion and erosion can return to the teeth more sensitive to food and sweets, cold or hot drinks. The problem may be worse if the dentin beneath the enamel is exposed. The dentin protects the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels.

Abrasion and erosion can also affect the appearance of teeth.

Prevention of dental abrasion

To help prevent tooth abrasion and erosion:

  • Avoid eating many foods or drinks that contain acids.
  • Do not push too hard when brushing teeth. Use only a soft bristle toothbrush.
  • Floss correctly.

If proper techniques are not known to prevent or prevent abrasion, the dentist or dental hygienist can help with their recommendations.