Abrasion

Definition. Abrasion is the abnormal tooth surface loss resulting from direct forces of friction between teeth and external objects or from frictional forces between contacting teeth components in the presence of an abrasive medium.3 Etiology Abrasion may occur from: I. Improper brushing habit: Factors influencing the role of tooth brushing in abrasion are: i. Brushing technique ii. Brushing force iii. Bristle stiffness iv. Time v. Frequency II. Habitual chewing on hard objects (e.g. paper clips, pens, pencils) III. Chronic use of agents with high abrasivity (e.g. smokeless tobacco, inadequately washed vegetables) Clinical Features • The loss of tooth structure in the cervical areas (abrasion) is commonly seen as a rounded notch in the gingival portion of the facial aspects of teeth (Fig. 20.1D). • The surface of the defect is usually smooth. The presence of such defects does not automatically warrant intervention. It is important to determine and eliminate the cause (Fig. 20.4).