Tooth abrasion is a term that describes the persistent loss of a tooth's exterior. The loss of enamel can result from improper brushing and flossing techniques or bad habits like grinding the teeth. The term tooth abrasion is used whenever the damage to your tooth's surface is caused by something other than tooth decay or trauma.
One of the most common causes of tooth wear is brushing too hard. Many people brush their teeth using the same amount of force you use to scrub a shoe. The enamel can be quite delicate and the bristles of your toothbrush are strong enough to polish them off.
Other items besides toothbrushes can damage the enamel of the teeth. If you have a habit of cleaning your teeth with anything other than a dental pick or floss, you are probably damaging your enamel. Dental prosthetics like partial dentures and poorly-fitting retainers can also lead to teeth abrasion. A common symptom of dental abrasion is small notches developing close to your gums. If you notice anything along those lines, contact a dentist immediately.
Besides altering the appearance of your teeth, tooth abrasions make you more vulnerable to serious oral health issues like tooth decay and infections. You might also experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods since the protective layer of your tooth is now compromised.
If dental abrasions are left unaddressed for extended periods, the tooth will eventually need to have a major procedure like a root canal or extraction performed.
Preventing tooth abrasion can be as easy as taking proper care of your teeth. Proper oral care starts with selecting the right toothbrush. It is beneficial to go with one that has soft-bristles since these are gentler on your teeth's enamel. You should also use a quality toothpaste that contains fluoride. Cheaper brands tend to be abrasive, so you certainly do not want to be cheap when it comes to selecting a toothpaste brand.
When it is time to brush, use soft, gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth. You do not need to apply much pressure when you brush, you just need enough to make contact with your teeth. Make sure you clean your gums and tongue when you brush as these can be havens for bacteria that can cause further damage to your teeth. Make sure you do not brush for longer than 2 minutes since anything longer can be harsh on your teeth.
If you have any bad habits like playing with hard items in your mouth or grinding your teeth, you need to find ways to break it or minimize the damage. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about it so that you can get a mouth guard customized for you. That will reduce the pressure your teeth are under when you grind your teeth at night.
Contact Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 to learn more about tooth abrasion.
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