Attrition

ATTRITION

DEFINITION:

        Defined as the physiologic wearing of teeth resulting from tooth to tooth contact as in Mastication [chewing].

         The word Attrition describes the action of rubbing against something. Most commonly Attrition is seen in aged people due to age process.

            Attrition is usually occur at the Incisal or Occlusal surfaces and it is appeared as a small polished facet on a cusp tip or on an incisal edge

                                           

ETIOLOGY:

• Bruxism[involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth, typically during sleep.]
• Clenching of teeth regularly.
• Consuming more carbonated drinks.
• Consuming more hard and course foods.
• Natural teeth opposing porcelain.[Hard,fine grained ceramic]

SYMPTOMS:

• Sensitivity of Teeth.
• Teeth pain.
• Tooth Discolouration.
• Discomfort while eating.
• Tenderness in gums.

PREVENTION:

• Consume less carbonated drinks and juices.
• Reduce intake of hard and course diet.
• Avoid use of hard toothbrush and toothpaste contains abrasive materials.
• Proper Brushing technique.
• Avoid biting and holding hairpins, grip pins and jewellery with teeth.
• Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic drinks and meals, because these drinks causes the enamel soft, due to this enamel softness  immediate brushing is more prone to damage enamel. 

TREATMENT:

• For Bruxism-using night guards.
• If the tooth has less sensitivity using sensitivity reduced paste is enough.
• If the attrition involves damage of tooth structure then restorations and crowns are used to fix damage tooth structure.      

NOTE: For attrition teeth- normal restoration cannot do,because the attrition teeth have smooth polished surface, so direct filling or restoration is not possible on tooth. So for restoration of attrition tooth, tooth preparation is required.      

• If attrition causes more damage [pulp exposure] leads to severe pain and then endodontic treatment and crown required.