Tooth wear: Difference between revisions

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Overview of tooth wear and its implications

Tooth Wear

Tooth wear refers to the progressive loss of dental hard tissues due to factors other than dental caries. It is a common condition that can affect individuals of all ages and can lead to significant dental health issues if not managed appropriately.

Types of Tooth Wear

Tooth wear can be classified into three main types:

Attrition

Attrition is the loss of tooth structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact. It is commonly seen in individuals with bruxism, a condition characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep.

Abrasion

Abrasion occurs when there is mechanical wear of the teeth due to external factors. Common causes include aggressive tooth brushing, use of abrasive toothpaste, and habits such as biting on hard objects.

Erosion

Erosion is the chemical dissolution of tooth structure by acids not derived from bacteria. It can be caused by dietary acids, such as those found in citrus fruits and soft drinks, or by gastric acids in conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bulimia nervosa.

Causes of Tooth Wear

Tooth wear can result from a combination of factors, including:

Dietary habits: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages can lead to erosion.
Oral hygiene practices: Improper brushing techniques can cause abrasion.
Medical conditions: Conditions such as GERD and bulimia can contribute to erosion.
Parafunctional habits: Bruxism and other habits can lead to attrition.

Clinical Implications

Tooth wear can lead to several clinical issues, including:

Sensitivity: Exposed dentin can cause increased sensitivity to temperature and touch.
Aesthetic concerns: Loss of enamel can affect the appearance of teeth.
Functional problems: Severe wear can alter the bite and lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Management and Prevention

Management of tooth wear involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes. Preventive measures include:

Dietary modifications: Reducing intake of acidic foods and drinks.
Improved oral hygiene: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Use of dental appliances: Night guards can help manage bruxism.
Regular dental check-ups: Early detection and intervention can prevent progression.

Related pages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Tooth wear''' refers to the loss of the hard, outer layer of the tooth, known as the enamel. This can occur as a result of several factors, including [[abrasion]], [[attrition]], [[erosion]], and [[abfraction]]. Tooth wear can lead to a variety of dental problems, including sensitivity, pain, and tooth loss.
+{{Short description|Overview of tooth wear and its implications}}
-== Causes ==
+==Tooth Wear==
+[[File:Oral_Manifestation_of_Bulimia..jpg|thumb|right|Tooth wear as a result of bulimia.]]
+'''Tooth wear''' refers to the progressive loss of [[dental hard tissues]] due to factors other than dental caries. It is a common condition that can affect individuals of all ages and can lead to significant [[dental health]] issues if not managed appropriately.
-Tooth wear can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:
+==Types of Tooth Wear==
+Tooth wear can be classified into three main types:
-* '''[[Abrasion]]''': This is the process of wear caused by something rubbing against the teeth. The most common cause of abrasion is brushing the teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Other causes can include habits such as nail-biting or pen-chewing.
+===Attrition===
+[[Attrition (dental)|Attrition]] is the loss of tooth structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact. It is commonly seen in individuals with [[bruxism]], a condition characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep.
-* '''[[Attrition]]''': This is wear caused by the teeth rubbing against each other. This can occur as a result of grinding or clenching the teeth, a condition known as [[bruxism]].
+===Abrasion===
+[[Abrasion (dental)|Abrasion]] occurs when there is mechanical wear of the teeth due to external factors. Common causes include aggressive tooth brushing, use of abrasive toothpaste, and habits such as biting on hard objects.
-* '''[[Erosion]]''': This is wear caused by acid attacking the teeth. This can occur as a result of consuming acidic foods and drinks, or from stomach acid in people with conditions such as [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD).
+===Erosion===
+[[Erosion (dental)|Erosion]] is the chemical dissolution of tooth structure by acids not derived from bacteria. It can be caused by dietary acids, such as those found in citrus fruits and soft drinks, or by gastric acids in conditions like [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) and [[bulimia nervosa]].
-* '''[[Abfraction]]''': This is a type of tooth wear that occurs near the gum line. It is believed to be caused by stress on the tooth, such as from biting or chewing.
+==Causes of Tooth Wear==
+Tooth wear can result from a combination of factors, including:
-== Symptoms ==
+* '''Dietary habits''': Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages can lead to erosion.
+* '''Oral hygiene practices''': Improper brushing techniques can cause abrasion.
+* '''Medical conditions''': Conditions such as GERD and bulimia can contribute to erosion.
+* '''Parafunctional habits''': Bruxism and other habits can lead to attrition.
-The symptoms of tooth wear can vary depending on the cause and severity of the wear. They can include:
+==Clinical Implications==
+Tooth wear can lead to several clinical issues, including:
-* Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
+* '''Sensitivity''': Exposed dentin can cause increased sensitivity to temperature and touch.
-* Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting
+* '''Aesthetic concerns''': Loss of enamel can affect the appearance of teeth.
-* Changes in the appearance of the teeth, such as discoloration or changes in shape
+* '''Functional problems''': Severe wear can alter the bite and lead to [[temporomandibular joint disorder]] (TMJ).
-* Tooth loss
-== Treatment ==
+==Management and Prevention==
+Management of tooth wear involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes. Preventive measures include:
-The treatment for tooth wear depends on the cause and severity of the wear. It can include:
+* '''Dietary modifications''': Reducing intake of acidic foods and drinks.
+* '''Improved oral hygiene''': Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
+* '''Use of dental appliances''': Night guards can help manage bruxism.
+* '''Regular dental check-ups''': Early detection and intervention can prevent progression.
-* Changing brushing habits or using a softer toothbrush to reduce abrasion
+==Related pages==
-* Wearing a mouth guard at night to reduce attrition from bruxism
+* [[Dental caries]]
-* Avoiding acidic foods and drinks or treating underlying medical conditions to reduce erosion
+* [[Bruxism]]
-* Dental procedures such as bonding, crowns, or veneers to repair worn teeth
+* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]]
+* [[Bulimia nervosa]]
-== Prevention ==
+[[Category:Dentistry]]
-Preventing tooth wear involves addressing the underlying causes of the wear. This can include:
-* Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and not brushing too hard
-* Seeking treatment for bruxism
-* Limiting consumption of acidic foods and drinks
-* Regular dental check-ups to catch and treat wear early
-[[Category:Dental conditions]]
 [[Category:Oral health]]
-{{stub}}