Abfraction lesions are oral health issues that can cause significant damage to teeth if left untreated. They are caused by a variety of factors and can lead to further problems such as fractured teeth and excessive wear on the enamel. It is important to understand what causes these lesions and what treatment options are available in order to ensure your oral health is maintained. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and treatment of abfraction lesions so you can make sure your smile stays healthy and strong.
What is an abfraction lesion?
An abfraction lesion is a loss of tooth structure at the gumline. Abfraction lesions are caused by repeated stress on teeth from activities such as chewing and grinding. Treatment for abfraction lesions involves restoring the lost tooth structure and protecting the remaining tooth structure from further damage.
Causes of abfraction lesions
There are many causes of abfraction lesions, but the most common cause is tooth grinding. Grinding your teeth can put a lot of pressure on the enamel and dentin, which can lead to wear and tear over time. This wear and tear can create small fractures in the enamel, called abfraction lesions.
Other causes of abfraction lesions include:
• Chewing hard foods: Chewing hard foods can also put pressure on the enamel and dentin, which can lead to abfraction lesions over time.
• Brushing your teeth too hard: Brushing your teeth too hard can also damage the enamel and dentin, which can lead to abfraction lesions.
• Acidic drinks: Drinking acidic drinks (such as soda) can also damage the enamel and dentin, which can lead to abfraction lesions.
How are abfraction lesions diagnosed?
Abfraction lesions are usually diagnosed by your dentist during a routine checkup. However, if you have symptoms of an abfraction lesion, such as tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold, your dentist may take X-rays to rule out other causes of these symptoms.
How are abfraction lesions diagnosed?
Abfraction lesions are usually diagnosed by your dentist during a routine checkup. However, if you have symptoms of an abfraction lesion, such as tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold, your dentist may take X-rays to rule out other causes of these symptoms.
Treatment for abfraction lesions
The main treatment for abfraction lesions is to improve oral hygiene habits and reduce the amount of wear and tear on teeth. This can be done by:
-Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day
-Flossing daily
-Using toothpaste with fluoride
-Eating a balanced diet and avoiding hard and sticky foods
-Wearing a mouthguard or nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
Prevention of abfraction lesions
Prevention of abfraction lesions can be difficult, as the underlying causes are often not fully understood. However, there are a few general measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing these lesions:
-Brush teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
-Floss teeth at least once daily.
-Avoid aggressive tooth brushing or using hard objects (such as toothpicks) to clean teeth.
-Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
If you already have abfraction lesions, it is important to take steps to protect the teeth from further damage. This may include:
-Wearing a mouthguard during activities that put stress on the teeth (such as contact sports).
-Avoid chewing on hard objects (such as ice or candy).
-Cutting back on sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
Conclusion
Abfraction lesions can be difficult to treat since their cause is unknown. However, with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you can prevent them from getting worse. If your abfraction lesion has already caused damage to your teeth, treatment options such as restorations or crowns can help restore their natural shape and appearance. Ultimately, it’s important to recognize what could be causing these lesions so that they don’t become more severe over time. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your smile healthy and strong for years to come! Royal Dental Care provides you with best-in-class treatment options for all your dental needs. Please book a Free Consult here.
