The term “dental abrasion” refers to the wear of dental pieces, often caused by excessive friction with external materials and elements on the teeth. Certain oral hygiene products can act as abrasive agents, and poor brushing techniques can also damage the enamel of the teeth.
What is dental abrasion?
As we have indicated previously, dental abrasion is the wear of enamel caused mainly by incorrect brushing or the use of abrasive agents. More than 50% of the Spanish population suffers from dental abrasion and is unaware of it until they experience its effects. Worst of all, we ourselves can be the main culprits of this condition, for example, through harsh or improper brushing. We can severely damage our teeth, not only causing the gradual loss of the enamel that covers and protects them but also leading to gum recession over time, thereby weakening the teeth.
Dental abrasion: causes, treatment, and consequences.
Dental abrasions can vary in magnitude, the speed at which wear increases, and their location. In this article, we will address all these points, as well as explain in detail what dental abrasion is, what its causes might be, and the treatments used to eliminate this problem.
Causes of Dental Abrasion
The main cause of dental abrasion is incorrect brushing, although we should not overlook other causes related to the use of external elements on our stomatognathic system, which can lead to enamel erosion, such as:
- Excessive use of toothpicks after meals. It is recommended to replace this habit with dental floss.
- Friction of teeth with abrasive substances and particles, as can occur with construction workers exposed to cement or miners.
- Placing objects between the teeth, such as pens, pins, knives, etc.
Symptoms of Dental Abrasion
Dental abrasion is not easy to diagnose in the short term, as enamel wear occurs gradually, and therefore, symptoms take time to appear. Despite this, the most notable symptoms are the following:
- Discoloration: As wear causes more dentin to be exposed over time, this can alter the appearance of the teeth, giving them a more yellowish tone. The more dentin is exposed, the yellower the teeth will appear.
- Dental sensitivity: Sensitive teeth are a very common symptom of dental abrasion since the enamel that protects the teeth wears down and exposes the dentin, where the nerves are located.
- Rounded teeth: The friction of certain elements against our teeth eventually gives them a more rounded appearance than usual. This is a very characteristic sign of the early stages of dental erosion.
- Transparent teeth: The early loss of enamel can cause teeth to appear more transparent than normal.
- Brittle teeth: When dental abrasion is more advanced, the “corners” of the teeth may begin to chip, crack, and even break.
- Small holes: When dental abrasion is not treated, small holes can start to appear, primarily in the chewing areas.
- Excessive sensitivity: The continuous degradation of enamel can become so severe that it reaches a point of no return, where recovery is impossible unless remineralization of the teeth is performed.
Treatment of Dental Abrasion
The dentist in Madrid confirms the abrasion after identifying its cause and, from there, determines and outlines the treatment to be carried out. This is essential because addressing the cause of the abrasion is crucial to halting its progression and ultimately deciding how to treat it. For example, adjusting dental hygiene routines with gentler brushing is one way to address erosion. In more advanced stages of dental abrasion, restoration using state-of-the-art resins and the placement of occlusal splints to prevent further wear are perfectly valid treatment options.
Professional registration Nº 28004040
Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Madrid
Degree in Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
University Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, San Rafael Hospital, Madrid
University Specialist in Individual and Public Oral Preventive Programs, Complutense University of Madrid
Director of Radiodiagnostic Facilities
Medical Director, Smiling Dental Center
Specialist in Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Bruce Crispin, Los Angeles, California
Member of the Spanish Society of Prosthodontics (SEPES)
CPR Course
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