Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Dental Abrasion'

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Today's word is "Dental Abrasion"

Dental Abrasion : 'External Force Is Going To Harm Your Teeth.'

Yesterday, we discussed a non-cariogenic disease that gradually wears down tooth enamel chemically. Today, we will explore another non-carious lesion caused by external forces that wear down tooth structure: dental abrasion. Without further delay, let's delve into a detailed discussion about dental abrasion.

Definition :

Dental abrasion refers to the abnormal loss of tooth surface caused by frictional forces between teeth and external objects, or between contacting tooth components in the presence of an abrasive medium.

Causes of dental abrasion :

1.Improper brushing habits: 

Factors influencing tooth brushing in abrasion include: 

i. Brushing technique : Improper technique

 ii. Brushing force : Excessive pressure

 iii. Bristle stiffness : Hard bristles 

iv. Time : Prolonged duration

 v. Frequency : More than 2-3 times a day

2. Poor oral habits : Chewing on hard objects (e.g., paper clips, pens, pencils), use of smokeless tobacco, use of abrasive toothpaste.

3.Diet : 

Regular consumption of hard and abrasive food items.

4.Workplace factors : 

Exposure to abrasive dust in the workplace can contribute to tooth abrasion.

Clinical features of dental abrasion :

• Commonly seen on the left side of right-handed persons and vice versa.

• Loss of tooth structure near the gum or gingival line.

• Abrasion is typically observed as a rounded notch in the cervical portion of the facial aspects of teeth.
  
  
  
• Canines and premolar teeth are most affected.

• Exposed surfaces appear smooth and polished.

• Patients develop sensitivity as dentin becomes exposed.

Treatment options for dental abrasion:

The primary goal of management should be to halt the underlying cause. Treatment may involve:

1.Fluoride Treatment : 

• Application of fluoride solutions to improve the tooth's resistance to caries, especially important since the enamel is already abraded. 
• This helps protect the remaining tooth structure.

2.Restorative Treatment: 

• If the lesion extends more than 0.5 mm into the dentin, it may require restoration with various types of dental cement:

• For anterior teeth, tooth-colored restorations are preferred.

• Posterior teeth may require metallic restorations.

• Resin-modified glass ionomer cement is commonly used for abrasive lesions.

• If the abrasive lesion is associated with gingival recession, a combined approach involving soft tissue coverage and restoration may be advised.

These treatments aim to restore tooth integrity and prevent further damage from abrasion.

Prevention of dental abrasion :

1. Counseling on harmful oral  habits.

2. Instructions on the proper selection and use of oral hygiene aids: 

• Use a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush, 

• Waxed thin floss, 

•  Non-abrasive toothpaste.

3. Correct brushing technique is important. Watch the video below for proper brushing and incorporate it into your daily routine.

4. Avoid biting on hard objects. Our teeth are a precious gift; refrain from using them to open bottles or hold pins.

5. Regular dental check-ups are required to catch this abrasion in its early stages.

Conclusion: 

Proper oral hygiene practices, along with appropriate aids, can help prevent dental abrasion. By understanding its causes, features, treatment, and preventive measures, we can halt this condition early and preserve our beautiful enamel-covered smile for the long term.

Request To Reader : 

Thank you for reading. If you have any doubts or queries, please let me know in the comment section below. Remember to brush your teeth gently; being harsh can permanently alter your smile and affect your quality of life.

References :

1.Sturdevant’s Art and Science of Operative Dentistry (Second South Asia Edition-2019),Adaptation Editor,

V.Gopikrishna,Elsevier

2.Shafer’s Textbook of Oral

Pathology,Ninth edition (2020),

B Sivapathasundharam, MDS.

3.Image credit : www.shutterstock.com