Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Dental Attrition'

 

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Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation
 

Today's word is "Dental Attrition"

Dental Attrition : 'Gradually Reduced Teeth Dimension' 

In the previous post, we discussed dental caries, a disease of bacterial origin. Today, we are going to talk about a non-carious condition that gradually reduces teeth dimensions by wearing them down, called attrition. So, without any delay, let's start our Dentoword journey with today's word: Dental Attrition.

Definition :

Attrition is defined as the physiological wearing away of tooth surfaces due to tooth-to-tooth contact, such as during mastication.

Causes of Attrition:

• Poor oral habits:

 Examples include biting fingernails, holding objects with teeth, and chewing on pens or pencils.

• Stress: 

Stress can lead to clenching of teeth, which contributes to attrition.

• Airway issues or sleep apnea: 

These systemic conditions can cause teeth clenching, leading to attrition.

• Habitual clenching /bruxism: 

Habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often unconscious, especially during sleep or in moments of anger.

• Diet: 

Consuming hard substances regularly can caused attrition.

• Malocclusion: 

Improperly aligned teeth can cause attrition due to heavy or uneven pressure on teeth.

• Workplace factors: 

Exposure to an atmosphere of abrasive dust can lead to material getting into the mouth, causing attrition.

General Features of Dental Attrition:

• Attrition occurs only on the occlusal/incisal and proximal surfaces of teeth due to physiological tooth movement.
• It is not caused by microbes, so it is not a pathological but a physiological process.
• Attrition is associated with the aging process. 
• As age progresses, more attrition is exhibited.It may be seen in both permanent and deciduous dentition.
• Men usually exhibit more severe attrition than women due to greater masticatory force.

Clinical manifestations of dental attrition include the following:

- Appearance of small polished facets on cusp tips or ridges.

- Flattening of cusps or incisal edges.

- Shortening of the length of the arch of teeth due to proximal attrition.

- Increased tooth sensitivity.

- Decreased chewing efficiency.

Diagnosis of dental attrition involves the following :

1.Visual examination: During routine examinations, it is the dentist's duty to identify early signs of wear and halt the progression through various treatments.

2.Dental and habit history: Understanding the origin of attrition is crucial.

3.Radiographic examination: 

This helps detect the extent of tooth attrition and identify any underlying pathology.

Treatment of dental attrition :

Treatment of dental attrition involves a two-pronged approach: 

halting the etiological factors and using appropriate restorative protocols.

1.Restorative procedures: Crowns, veneers, or bonding can restore worn teeth. In cases of severe attrition, root canal therapy may be required before placing the crown.

2.Mouthguards: Custom-fitted guards protect the teeth from grinding and help break the habit.

3.Behavioral management: If the patient is stressed, behavioral counseling can help reduce stress and manage its effects on the teeth.

4.Orthodontic treatment: If attrition is due to malocclusion, it can be treated with braces or orthodontic appliances.

5.Treatment of sleep apnea: If the patient has a sleep apnea disorder, treating this condition can prevent further tooth structure loss due to bruxism.

Early treatment is crucial to halt further tooth loss and restore function, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.

Care and maintenance to prevent dental attrition:

- Regular dental check-ups
- Use of mouthguards
- Diet modification
- Stress management
- Good oral hygiene practices
- Avoidance of harmful habits

Interesting facts:

• Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, yet it can wear down due to teeth grinding, which can be caused by stress or systemic problems. 
• Dental attrition is a natural process that occurs with age, but it progresses very slowly. However, it can accelerate if caused by external factors such as grinding or clenching.

Conclusion:

Today we learned about dental attrition, including its causes, symptoms, signs, and treatment options. To maintain healthy teeth and prevent further damage, regular dental check-ups and proper oral care are essential. Early detection of dental attrition can prevent reduced tooth size and preserve our bright smiles.

Request to the reader :

Thank you for reading! If you think you might be experiencing dental attrition, or if others have noticed it in you, don't forget to visit your dentist.

References :

1.Shafer’s Textbook of Oral

Pathology

NINTH EDITION,

B Sivapathasundharam, MDS.(2020)