Dental Abrasion

Name : Virgina Aurelia Elby
NIM    : 221051087
Class   : Gigi B

 Dental Abrasion

  Abrasion is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from a foreign element. If this force begins at the cementoenamel junction, then the progression of tooth loss can be rapid since enamel is thin in this region of the tooth. Once past the enamel, abrasion quickly destroys the softer dentin and cementum structures.

   The appearance is commonly described as V-shaped when caused by excessive pressure during tooth brushing. Abrasion usually shows as worn, shiny, often yellow/brown areas at the cervical margin.

     Abrasion is the wearing away of tooth surface caused by friction or a mechanical process. Abrasion happens when teeth are brushed too vigorously in sweeping horizontal strokes. The use of a hard toothbrush can also cause the problem.

      It is often evident on the outer surfaces of the back teeth. A wedge or V-shaped indentation of the tooth will be seen at the gum margin. Toothbrush abrasion can be repaired by bonding a tooth-colored filling over the abraded area of the tooth.

The Causes and Signs Of Tooth Abrasion

There are several different possible sources of tooth abrasion, including:

1. Using too much pressure when you brush your teeth. 
2. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or an abrasive toothpaste. 
3. Biting on your fingernails. 
4. Chewing on pen tips or other hard objects. 
5. Rubbing mouth jewelry against your teeth.

Tooth Abrasion Is A Problem

     Without the enamel, your pearly whites will be more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque. Eventually, they could reach the pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth) and cause a severe infection that could end in an extraction. To avoid this, your dentist might recommend treatments like a fluoride varnish or porcelain veneers to strengthen and protect the tooth.

How to prevent tooth abrasion

    The most effective way to prevent damaging your enamel when you brush your teeth is by using a good toothbrush and following proper brushing techniques. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are generally recommended by dentists since these are a lot gentler on your enamel. The goal of brushing is to remove food particles and plaque, and you only need as much force as you would use to wipe a plate off with a napkin. The bristles on your toothbrush are designed to match the contours of your teeth, and they only need a small amount of pressure to clean your teeth.

   Use short, circular motions when brushing your teeth instead of going up and down or side to side. Keep the bristles of your toothbrush at an angle to your gums as this allows you to clean the soft tissues of your gums while your brush. If you notice the ends of your toothbrush bristles look frayed after a few weeks, that is a clear sign that you are using too much pressure while brushing. About two minutes is enough to brush your entire mouth. Even with proper brushing techniques, brushing for more than a couple of minutes at a time makes you susceptible to tooth abrasion

Prevention of Cervical Abrasions

1. Use a vertical or circular motion while brushing and avoid horizontal motion completely. This would reduce the impact on the cervical area of the teeth and will result in slow remineralization of the lost dentin surface.
2. Change your toothbrush once in every 3 months because, after sometime the bristles get stiffened due to daily wear and tear along with numerous chemicals acting on it while brushing. 
3. Do not use tooth powder since it has more abrasive nature compared to toothpaste.
4. Make night time brushing compulsory and use mouthwash for bad breath in the morning.
5. Use toothbrushes with soft or ultra soft bristles because, hard brushes have more friction and abrasive capacity than the softer ones.

Can Dental Abrasion Be Fixed?

    Dental abrasions can be fixed using bonding procedures or tooth restorations with composites or tooth-colored filling materials. The dentist will fill the groove formed where the tooth meets the gum by using a porcelain filling. This filling will cover up the pocket and keep bacteria and food debris from entering it. There is no need for any crown or bridges.

Dental Abrasion Treated

The treatment options for dental abrasion are:

1. Fillings to relieve tooth sensitivity.
2. Mouthguard to prevent grinding of teeth in the night.
3. Toothpaste to cure tooth sensitivity and abrasion.
4. Orthodontic treatment to realign the bite, which helps to prevent future damage, especially in younger people.

How Does Tooth Abrasion Look Like?

   Abrasion usually looks like a wedge or V-shaped indentation of the tooth at the cervical margin, caused by excessive lateral pressure while toothbrushing. The surface is shiny rather than carious, and sometimes the ridge is intense that even the pulp chamber is seen.

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