Keeping those pearly whites strong and healthy takes daily effort. This means performing a strong oral routine every day. Although, understanding how to perform the oral routine steps correctly is what separates strong and weak oral health. What does this mean? This means that if your teeth are damaged, even though you believe you’re performing the correct oral routine every day, it is a sign of tooth abrasion. This means that you’re being overzealous or too aggressive when it comes to brushing your teeth. This can ultimately lead to tooth loss!
Tooth Abrasion Causes
To become aware of this, understand the following tooth abrasion causes:
- Overzealous brushing causes damage to the underlying dentin, enamel erosion and chips in your teeth
- Using a hard-bristle toothbrush
- Using your teeth for bad dental habits such as biting your nails and opening packaging
- Chewing and biting down on hard objects
Is It A Problem?
Tooth abrasion can cause harm to your pearly whites. When your teeth are exposed, you’ll become more vulnerable to bacteria and dental plaque buildup. When the plaque reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, this can cause a severe infection and cause your tooth to fall out of its socket. A missing tooth can also cause the underlying bone to weaken, causing your neighbouring teeth to become vulnerable as well.
What Are The Signs Of Tooth Abrasion?
Be mindful of the following signs of tooth abrasion:
- Damaged Bristles – Are your bristles curling up and frayed? This means you need to replace your toothbrush as it is a sign of overzealous brushing. If you continue to use the same toothbrush, bacteria will spread.
- Tooth Sensitivity – Your teeth will become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures if your enamel has become exposed. For example, you may eat ice cream or a hot pasty, and you will feel sensitivity. It is a sign that you need to be more gentle when brushing your teeth.
- Swollen and Bleeding Gums – Your gum tissue can become damaged through overzealous brushing. This can cause red and swollen gums and even signs of bleeding. When you brush your teeth but you spit out blood, it is a sign that you need to be more gentle.
Can It Be Avoided?
Tooth abrasion can be avoided by understanding the correct brushing technique and applying it every single day.
First of all, you must use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth with. The bristles on your toothbrush are designed to collect any bacteria inside the mouth, and the soft bristles are more friendly to your teeth and gums. When using the toothbrush, you must apply the correct brushing technique, which you can learn about here. There is only a certain amount of pressure you can apply to your teeth to get the maximum results.
If you’re showing signs of tooth abrasion, contact us and check yourself in with us at Sutherland Dental today and we’d be delighted to help you!
