Definition
Tooth wear is the loss of a certain amount of enamel, dentin and / or cement. This loss can be due to mechanical (abrasion and friction) or chemical (erosion) causes.
Too vigorous brushing of the teeth, performed with an incorrect technique, as well as the use of a toothbrush with too hard bristles, can give rise to a dental abrasion. Wear can also be caused by incorrect contact between the masticatory surfaces, which occurs in case of dental malocclusion (where the closure ratio between the upper and lower arches is altered) and bruxism (teeth grinding). If the wear is progressive and slow, however, it can be considered part of the normal aging process, so that the raised tooth surfaces are smoothed.
Gastroesophageal reflux and self-induced vomiting (typical of patients with eating disorders such as certain forms of anorexia and bulimia) also cause erosion of dental enamel. Similarly, excessive consumption of acidic drinks and foods (vinegar, fruit juices, wine, certain fruits and vegetables) can also produce the same effects.
Possible causes * of tooth wear
- Nervous anorexia
- Bruxism
- Bulimia
- Fluorosis
- Onicofagia
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Prader-Willi syndrome
