Everyone knows it is essential to take time and care when brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice daily to keep them healthy and avoid conditions like tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. However, brushing too vigorously, using the wrong toothbrush, or using the wrong technique can cause toothbrush abrasion.
This is when the protective enamel on the outer surface of the teeth is damaged. It can lead to sensitivity, tooth discolouration and marks or notches on the surface of the teeth. Over time, it can cause severe and irreversible damage. The good news is it is easy to treat and prevent when caught early.
Causes and Symptoms of Toothbrush Abrasion
Toothbrush abrasion is almost always caused by using an incorrect brushing method. If you repeatedly brush using a hard-bristled toothbrush and apply too much pressure, the bristles can wear away the tooth enamel. This is exacerbated if you use highly abrasive toothpaste or when other factors are in play, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or if you have oral jewellery.
The most common symptoms of toothbrush abrasion are increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink and tooth discolouration. You might also notice marks and ridges forming on the tooth’s surface, especially on the gingival margin, where the tooth meets the gum. In severe cases, toothbrush abrasion can lead to decay and even tooth loss.
Preventing Toothbrush Abrasion
If you brush your teeth correctly, toothbrush abrasion should not occur. At Glow Dental, our dentist or hygienist would happily show you the perfect brushing technique. The following tips will set you on the right path:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees and brush your teeth using short back-and-forth strokes.
- Use a fluoride-rich and non-abrasive toothpaste. This will help to strengthen the enamel.
- Avoid habits that could exacerbate toothbrush abrasion, such as nail biting, teeth grinding and chewing or biting hard objects.
- Keep those regular appointments with the dentist and dental hygienist to ensure your teeth are healthy and to identify any problems as early as possible.
Treatment Options for Toothbrush Abrasion
When the enamel is gone, it will not grow back. This is why regular checkups are so important: to allow immediate intervention at the first signs of toothbrush abrasion. But even if you have not had a checkup recently, don’t despair – treatment is still possible.
The recommended treatment for toothbrush abrasion depends on the severity. It broadly falls into three categories:
- Mild toothbrush abrasion: Slight damage caught early will only cause minor sensitivity. It can be cured by changing your brushing method and using a soft toothbrush with desensitising toothpaste.
- Moderate toothbrush abrasion: If the damage and sensitivity are more serious, the dentist might apply a desensitising agent to the affected teeth. This will give immediate relief. You will also need to change your brushing habits and switch to a soft toothbrush and desensitising toothpaste.
- Severe toothbrush abrasion: When the condition has been left unchecked for some time, deep grooves can form in the enamel, leading to extreme sensitivity and risking decay to the exposed dentine. This damage can be repaired using a dental filling to seal the gap. Again, you must adopt a better brushing technique and use the appropriate brush and toothpaste to prevent the condition from recurring.
