Unnatural wear
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-20-12Last update: 2010-01-01
Unnatural wear, also known as an abrasion, is a common condition. In addition to discomfort, it can increase the risk of cavities and be cosmetically undesirable.
How it works:
If you brush your teeth incorrectly, you subject them to unnatural wear. This is most often found where the teeth meet the gums.
Abrasion can also occur through other types of abnormal wear such as holding nails or sewing needles in your teeth or smoking a pipe.
The body’s defence mechanisms:
Enamel is a naturally hard substance which protects the teeth from most wear. Abrasion only normally occurs where the teeth come into contact with hard materials or where the enamel is very thin.
Risk factors:
- Occupations which often see things held in the teeth (Carpentry, etc.)
- Incorrect brushing technique
- Brushing too frequently
Prevention:
The easiest way to deal with unnatural wear is to avoid it altogether.
An important aspect of this is learning correct brushing technique. If damage has already been done, correct brushing technique is still important to prevent further problems.
When unnatural wear is present, you can reduce discomfort by keeping the affected teeth clean, avoiding acidic foods and putting a Fluorine toothpaste on the area before bed.
What will your dentist/dental hygienist do?
Your dentist/dental hygienist will make you aware of abrasion caused by incorrect brushing and help you to develop correct brushing technique.
If you are having trouble with sensitivity, they will treat the tooth’s surface with fluoride or put a filling into the abrasion.
If you have a cosmetic problem with the wear, this can be treated with a filling or a crown.