The
Cause
Brushing improperly
(especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush) can cause erosion/abrasion of your
tooth or teeth. This is a very common problem. It begins as a small V- or
U-shaped area of wear near the gingival (gum) tissue right next to the tooth,
usually where the tooth and gum meet. Improper brushing causes the gum tissue
to recede; and the tooth may become sensitive to heat, cold, or air
stimulation. With time, more enamel wears away and a small horizontal notch is
seen on the tooth at the gumline. This is not an area of decay, but a
mechanical “cavity” cut in the tooth. Eventually the enamel is worn completely
through and the dentin becomes exposed. When that occurs, some people experience
severe tooth sensitivity. It may so severe that it is painful to drink cold beverages,
breathe in air, or brush your teeth. Not everyone, however, experiences tooth
sensitivity.
Once enough of the gum is
brushed away, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. The root surface is not
covered with enamel and is much softer than the enamel. It can also be
unsightly to have the tissue recede. Since the root surface is not protected by
hard enamel, if the improper brushing continues, the root cementum will be worn
through and a notch will be made in the dentin. This notch will increase in
size, weaken the tooth, and sometimes make the area more prone to decay.
An Example of Tooth Abrasion |
Tooth
Sensitivity
Some patients with very
little loss of tooth structure experience extreme sensitivity. This problem can
usually be corrected with the application of a dentin-bonding material or other
desensitizing chemicals. The sensitivity problem is often completely cured. The
treatment can last (depending on your brushing habits) for 6 months or longer.
If necessary, the tooth can be re-treated if the sensitivity returns.
Some patients with a
tremendous loss of tooth structure notice very little tooth sensitivity.
Whether or not the teeth become sensitive, it is advisable to correct the
brushing problem to slow down or eliminate the wear process. It is also
recommended that the notches be restored with a tooth-colored filling material.
This will restore the appearance of the tooth and protect the previously
exposed dentin. In this way, even if you continue to brush improperly, the
tooth will be protected.
In cases of minor
sensitivity, we might recommend the use of desensitizing toothpaste as a
low-cost alternative to the placement of bonded materials. Some cases might
also be managed through the use of topical fluoride applications.
Preventing
Abrasion
The problems of improper
toothbrushing are easily and inexpensively corrected when they are diagnosed in
the early stages of development. If allowed to progress, the tooth damage will
increase, as will the cost to repair it. The best solution is prevention!
Use a soft brush and proper technique to prevent abrasion. (See this blog.) |
Brush your teeth thoroughly
but not abusively. Do not scrub them or cross brush them (an exaggerated
horizontal brushing motion). We will select a method of toothbrushing that will
best meet your needs and teach you to care for your mouth. Use a soft
toothbrush. Change to a new brush every 3 months. But if it happens that you
are creating the problem of toothbrush abrasion, get it corrected as soon as it
is diagnosed.
If you have any questions about toothbrush
erosion or abrasion, please feel free to ask us at (512)250-5012. -Omni Dental Group
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