The Tribune

By Dr Sparkman Ferguson

Registrar of the Bahamas Dental Council

One of the chief complaints of many adult dental patients is that they experience sensitivity and pain whenever they consume a hot or a cold drink. Some describe the sensation as a mild jolt, while others describe it is as an electrical shock to the teeth. There can be many reason for this sensation, but one of the top culprits is “toothbrush abrasion”.

What is toothbrush abrasion?

Toothbrush abrasion is a hole created on a tooth where tooth brushing has scraped off the enamel. This occurs mostly near the gum line of teeth.

What causes toothbrush abrasion?

Toothbrush abrasion is caused when a toothbrush with hard bristles is used repeatedly to brush the teeth.

How does abrasion affect the teeth?

When a person chooses to brush with a toothbrush with hard bristles, over time, the bristles begin to score the teeth leaving a fine groove. Over time and with the same habit, the groove widens and deepens. As the groove deepens, it enters the sensitive layer under the enamel called dentin. This dentin layer is yellow, and has many painful nerve endings. As soon as this dentin layer is breached, the person begins to feel pain from the various temperatures of their foods and drinks.

How is tooth abrasion treated?

The treatment for tooth abrasion is based on the severity of the condition when the person arrives for treatment. Persons usually fall into one of three categories. These are mild, moderate, and severe, based on the level of discomfort.

What is the treatment for mild abrasions?

A person with mild sensitivity from teeth abrasions is usually advised to forsake their regular toothpaste, and brush with a soft toothbrush and Sensodyne toothpaste.

What is the treatment for moderate abrasions?

A person with moderate sensitivity from teeth abrasions is usually advised to have the application of dental desensitising agents which are applied to the affected teeth by the dentist. These agents usually bring instant relief to the abrasion sensitivities. The person is also advised to switch to Sensodyne toothpaste, and to exclusively use a soft toothbrush.

What is the treatment for severe abrasions?

These abrasions are deep, wide and cause pain even when air enters the mouth. These deep abrasions must have dental restorations (fillings) placed in order to close the abrasions. The person is also advised to switch to Sensodyne toothpaste, and to exclusively use a softtooth brush.

Conclusion

Toothbrush abrasion can easily be treated. However, persons can avoid this condition of the teeth by refusing to brush with a medium or a hard toothbrush. The only toothbrush that should be used ought to be one with soft bristles.

Dentists are often challenged on the use of soft toothbrushes. This is because it is ingrained in the minds of many that scrubbing with hard brushes cleans better. This may be true for floors and counters but not for teeth.