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| Tooth
abrasion can be defined as the permanent loss of tooth structure
that can occur on various tooth surfaces including the cutting surface,
outer enamel layer and even exposed root surfaces. |
| Tooth
abrasion is not caused by one method alone but by numerous different
activities. The main cause however can be due to brushing your teeth
incorrectly. Brushing your teeth to hard, to fast or even using
the wrong toothpaste can lead to serious tooth abrasion. Other causes
of tooth abrasion include grinding your teeth, using your teeth
as a cutting tool and chewing on hard objects. |
| Tooth
abrasion can affect all types of people although the risk of tooth
abrasion is higher amongst people who suffer with gum disease. Gum
disease causes the teeth to pull away from the gum exposing the
root of the tooth. This leaves the root area beneath the teeth exposed
to water and other agents that the tooth enamel normally protects
it against. |
| Tooth
abrasion can occur gradually over a period of time, or very quickly.
Gradual tooth abrasion allows the body to reduce the severity of
tooth abrasion as the body has sufficient time to repair itself.
The body does this by allowing a new layer of dentin (the layer
immediately under the outer tooth enamel layer) to be deposited
over the damaged areas of the tooth. This new layer of dentin prevents
the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside the tooth,
known as the pulp, from being damaged further and therefore enables
the tooth to heal. |
| Quick
tooth abrasion on the other hand can cause irreversible damage to
the pulp and lead to the consequences of tooth abrasion, which not
only include crocked teeth but also increased tooth sensitivity,
infection and ultimately loss of the tooth. |
| In
order to prevent tooth abrasion it is important to take the following
steps. Firstly seek your dentist's opinion on how to brush your
teeth properly. This will reduce the risk of tooth abrasion from
brushing teeth too fast or hard. Choosing the right toothpaste is
also important in the fight against tooth abrasion as some toothpastes
are highly abrasive on tooth enamel. Again your dentist will be
able to give you advice on the different types of toothpastes available.
Chewing on nails and hard objects such as pencils is also advised
against, as is using your teeth as a cutting tool. |
| If
prevention of tooth abrasion fails then the only option left is
corrective surgery. Each case of tooth abrasion is different and
therefore the range of corrective options varies from person to
person although the most common treatments include bonding, Cap
or a filling to restore the appearance of the tooth. |
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