ABRASION
What is Abrasion?
Layman’s Definition:
Abrasion is the gradual wearing away of a tooth’s surface caused by mechanical actions — like brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or chewing on hard objects — that are not part of the normal biting process.
Technical Definition:
In dentistry, abrasion refers to the pathological mechanical wear of tooth structure due to contact with external agents (foreign bodies or substances), excluding tooth-to-tooth friction (which is classified as attrition). It commonly affects the cervical (gum-line) areas of teeth, leading to wedge-shaped notches or grooves.
Types of Dental Abrasion
1. Toothbrush Abrasion
- Description: The most common type, caused by aggressive brushing with excessive force, hard-bristled brushes, or abrasive toothpaste.
- Appearance: V-shaped or wedge-shaped notches near the gum line (cervical area).
- Commonly Affected Teeth: Canines and premolars.
- Risk Factors: Horizontal scrubbing motion, whitening toothpaste, brushing more than 3 times a day.
2. Dental Appliance-Induced Abrasion
- Description: Caused by ill-fitting partial dentures, orthodontic wires, clasps, or retainers that constantly rub against teeth or gums.
- Appearance: Irregular wear facets or roughened enamel surfaces in direct contact with the appliance.
- Risk Factors: Poorly adjusted dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices.
3. Occupational Abrasion
- Description: Seen in people exposed to airborne abrasive particles like dust, sand, or metal filings (e.g., miners, tailors, metalworkers).
- Appearance: Generalized wear on the exposed tooth surfaces.
- Risk Factors: Lack of protective masks, high exposure environments.
4. Habitual Abrasion
- Description: Resulting from personal habits like nail-biting, holding pins/nails between teeth, or chewing pens/pencils.
- Appearance: Localized wear on the incisal edges or cusp tips.
- Risk Factors: Persistent harmful oral habits.
5. Foreign Object Abrasion
- Description: Caused by repetitive contact between teeth and a specific foreign object (e.g., pipe smoking, hairpins).
- Appearance: Distinct grooves or flattened areas where the object rests.
- Risk Factors: Cultural or occupational habits involving mouth-held tools or objects.
Causes of Dental Abrasion
- Aggressive toothbrushing
- Abrasive toothpaste (high RDA value)
- Harmful oral habits like nail-biting, pen-chewing
- Improper flossing techniques
- Ill-fitting dental appliances
- Occupational exposure to abrasive dust or particles
Signs and Symptoms
- V-shaped notches or grooves near the gum line
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Smooth, shiny enamel loss
- Gum recession in severe cases
- Change in tooth contour or shape
Diagnosis
- Visual examination for notches or grooves
- Dental probes to assess lesion depth
- Intraoral photographs for progression tracking
- X-rays to rule out root caries or erosion
Treatment Options
- Switching to soft-bristled toothbrushes and gentle brushing techniques
- Using low-abrasive toothpaste
- Applying desensitizing agents like fluoride varnishes
- Restoring tooth shape with composite resin fillings
- Using protective appliances if habits persist
- Correcting ill-fitting dental devices
Prevention Tips
- Soft-bristled toothbrush + gentle circular motion
- Low-RDA toothpaste
- Avoid chewing hard objects
- Proper flossing
- Regular dental check-ups
Complications if Left Untreated
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Increased risk of decay in exposed dentin
- Gum recession and periodontal issues
- Structural weakening of the tooth
When to See a Dentist
- Persistent sensitivity
- Visible grooves or notches
- Gum recession
- Chipping or wearing of teeth
Example in Dentistry
“A 45-year-old patient presented with deep, V-shaped cervical lesions on premolars due to prolonged use of a medium-bristled toothbrush and abrasive whitening toothpaste. The dentist restored the teeth with composite resin and educated the patient on proper brushing techniques.”
Conclusion:
Abrasion can cause a loss of tooth structure and can lead to dental wear, cavities, and even tooth loss. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid abrasion.
FAQ’s:
1. Are Abrasion and Bruises the same thing?
Abrasion and bruises are not the same thing. Abrasion is a wound caused by rubbing or scraping against something, while a bruise is an injury that causes discoloration of the skin without breaking the skin.
Abrasion usually refers to a minor wound, such as from a fall, in which the top layer of skin is scraped off. A more serious abrasion may require medical attention and may even involve stitches to close the wound.
Bruises occur when blood vessels are damaged or broken, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. Bruises often result from blunt force trauma, such as a punch or fall. The skin may appear to be unbroken, but it will be discolored.
In some cases, bruises can be painful. If the pain is severe or if the bruise is accompanied by swelling, warmth, or redness, it may be a sign of a more serious injury and medical attention should be sought.
2. Can Abrasion get infected?
Abrasion injuries can become infected if they are not properly cared for. It is important to clean the wound and keep it covered to prevent infection. If you notice any redness, swelling, or pus coming from the wound, seek medical attention immediately as this could be a sign of infection.
3. How does Abrasion affect the weathering process?
Abrasion is a form of mechanical weathering where rocks and other materials are broken down by friction. This process can be caused by wind, water, or ice. Abrasion can also be caused by animals or humans walking on the ground. Over time, abrasion can break down rocks into smaller pieces and create dust and sand.
4. Where does Abrasion occur?
Abrasions can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most likely to occur on areas that are exposed to friction. For example, you might get an abrasion on your knees from kneeling on the ground, or on your elbows from leaning on a hard surface. Abrasions can also occur inside the body, such as when the lining of the stomach is rubbed raw by food.
Abrasions are a type of wound, and like all wounds, they have the potential to become infected. It is important to clean the wound and keep it covered to prevent infection. If you notice any redness, swelling, or pus coming from the wound, seek medical attention immediately as this could be a sign of infection.
5. How can I prevent Abrasion?
You can prevent abrasion by avoiding activities that put you at risk for injury, such as contact sports or hiking in rocky terrain. You can also wear protective gear, such as gloves or knee pads, to help reduce your risk of injury. Finally, if you do suffer an abrasion, be sure to clean the wound and keep it covered to prevent infection.
6. Which Abrasion resistance?
Abrasion resistance is the ability of a material to resist wear and tear. Abrasion-resistant materials are often used in high-wear areas, such as floors, tires, and clothing. Abrasion resistance can be improved by adding coatings or layers of protection to the surface of the material.
7. What causes Abrasion?
Abrasion can be caused by wind, water, ice, animals, or humans. Abrasion can also occur naturally, such as when rocks are rubbed together by wind or water. Abrasion can also be caused by humans, such as when one object rubs against another. Over time, abrasion can break down rocks into smaller pieces and create dust and sand.
8. Who treats Corneal Abrasion?
Corneal abrasion is usually treated by an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in the eye. The doctor will clean the wound and prescribe medication to help prevent infection. In some cases, a patch may be placed over the eye to protect the cornea from further damage.
9. Why is the Abrasion test done?
Abrasion testing is done to determine the wear resistance of a material. Abrasion testing is often used to test materials that will be used in high-wear areas, such as floors or tires. Abrasion testing can also be used to compare the wear resistance of different materials.
10. How do you treat an Abrasion?
Most abrasions can be treated at home by cleansing the wound and applying a bandage. However, if the abrasion is more than a quarter inch deep, if it is bleeding heavily, or if it is on your face, you should seek medical attention. You should also see a doctor if the wound shows any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Finally, if you have any other concerns about your abrasion, it is best to consult a medical professional.
11. Will Abrasion leave scars?
Abrasions can sometimes lead to scarring, especially if they are deep or become infected. To help prevent scarring, it is important to clean the wound and keep it covered. You should also see a doctor if the wound shows any signs of infection. If you have any concerns about scarring, you should consult a medical professional.
12. Is Abrasion a burn?
Abrasion is not a type of burn. Abrasion is a type of wound that occurs when the skin rubs or scrapes against a rough surface. Burns, on the other hand, are caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, or electricity.
13. What is an Abrasion in first aid?
In first aid, an abrasion is a wound that occurs when the skin rubs or scrapes against a rough surface. Abrasions can range from minor to severe, and they may or may not break the skin. Most abrasions can be treated at home by cleansing the wound and applying a bandage.
However, if the abrasion is more than a quarter inch deep, if it is bleeding heavily, or if it is on your face, you should seek medical attention. You should also see a doctor if the wound shows any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Finally, if you have any other concerns about your abrasion, it is best to consult a medical professional.
14. What is the difference between an Abrasion and a Laceration?
Abrasions and lacerations are both types of wounds. Abrasions occur when the skin rubs or scrapes against a rough surface. Lacerations occur when the skin is cut or torn. Abrasions are usually less severe than lacerations, but they can still lead to scarring. Lacerations are more likely to cause bleeding and may require stitches to close the wound.
15. How long does it take for an Abrasion to heal?
Most abrasions will heal within a few days. However, if the abrasion is more than a quarter inch deep, if it is bleeding heavily, or if it is on your face, you should seek medical attention. You should also see a doctor if the wound shows any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Finally, if you have any other concerns about your abrasion, it is best to consult a medical professional.