Erosion and abrasion

Erosion and abrasion go hand in hand with poor eating habits and an unsuitable brushing technique. It all starts quietly and without pain.

Erosion

Erosion is the loss of enamel caused by direct contact with acids, without bacteria. Damaged enamel no longer protects the tooth, the dentine tubules are exposed and stimuli reach the nerve endings, which hurts.

Most common causes:

• acidic drinks and food
• chronic vomiting (pregnancy, bulimia)
• work in the chemical industry (inhaling acidic fumes)

Symptoms of erosion:

• translucent teeth (thinner enamel)
• yellowing of the teeth
• brittleness
• small pits on the chewing surfaces where acids gradually “dissolve” the cusps
• sensitivity or even pain

Abrasion

Abrasion is excessive mechanical wear of the tooth. Patients know it best as “worn tooth necks”, so-called wedge-shaped defects. We often press the brush too hard, sometimes with a hard toothbrush.

Other causes:

• a rough or poor brushing technique
• hard toothbrushes
• bad habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth and biting pens
• occupational causes (glassmakers, seamstresses)
• highly abrasive toothpastes