Ask the dentist – what is toothbrush abrasion?
It can come as a big surprise to patients who have religiously observed the first golden rule of maintaining good oral hygiene, which is to brush their teeth twice a day, to find out that they may be still in danger of losing their teeth after all their efforts.
This may happen due to tooth abrasion – a lesser-known cause of tooth loss. In simplified terms, tooth abrasion occurs when undue force is used to brush teeth, such that over time, the enamel can wear down. While brushing teeth is good news for teeth and gums, brushing too hard, on the other hand, can put dental health at risk.
By wearing down the enamel, patients are at greater risk of infections, tooth sensitivity, gum disease and tooth loss. Enamel provides protection to tooth roots, so when this protective layer thins out, tooth roots are more vulnerable to germs and bacteria.
The effects of tooth abrasion are not usually identifiable by the patient, and a qualified dentist in West Byfleet is best placed to detect this problem. This means that patients who don’t attend routine dental checkups remain unaware of the harm they are causing to the mouth until they inevitably end up in the dental chair.
This is just another argument in favour of patients ensuring they make regular visits to our dentist in West Byfleet. There are a number of red flags pointing to dental issues that go unnoticed by the patient, and routine checkups once or twice a year at a reputable dental practice, such as our Byfleet Dental, are essential in identifying these.
How is dental abrasion treated?
For many patients, the effects of brushing too hard, especially if it has taken place over a lengthy period, are typically not reversible. All our dentist in West Byfleet can do is treat the condition to halt further progression of damage to the teeth and gums.
One of the most common methods dentists employ to treat toothbrush abrasion is similar to that of cavities and dental fillings. The fillings will cover up the patches left open by brushing too hard, preventing bacteria and other germs from reaching tooth roots.
Patients can also avoid the damage caused by toothbrush abrasion by learning the proper techniques to use when brushing their teeth. Our dentists recommend a light grip on the toothbrush and gentle circular strokes to remove food debris.
Many patients are waking up to the fact that protecting their dental health is a vital part of keeping on top of their overall health and wellbeing. Not only can good oral health banish pain and discomfort, but patients can also live longer and happier lives by prioritising the care of their teeth and gums.
Studies have shown that harmful pathogens in the mouth can escape into the bloodstream, where they travel deeper into the body to reach vulnerable life-sustaining organs, including the heart and lungs. Oral microbiomes responsible for periodontitis have been identified in medical conditions such as heart disease and lung infections.
Routine dental appointments at our Byfleet Dental are an effective way to guarantee that there are no nasty dental problems lurking unseen. Scheduling an appointment could not be more simple, just reach out to our reception desk, and we will be happy to set up one for you.