gum grafting near me Archives

Understanding Toothbrush Abrasion

May 31, 2024
Britten
Dentistry

Understanding Toothbrush Abrasion

Toothbrush abrasion refers to the wear and damage to the teeth and gums caused by improper or overly aggressive tooth brushing. This condition can lead to a variety of dental problems, including:

– Enamel Erosion: Over time, excessive brushing can erode the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.

– Gum Recession: Vigorous brushing can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth, which are more sensitive and prone to decay.

– Dentin Exposure: With enamel erosion and gum recession, the underlying dentin layer becomes exposed, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and risk of cavities.

– Tooth Wear: Abrasive brushing can cause visible wear on the surfaces of the teeth, affecting their appearance and function.

Preventing Toothbrush Abrasion

– Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to minimize abrasion on teeth and gums.

– Adopt Proper Brushing Technique: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use gentle, circular motions rather than harsh back-and-forth scrubbing.

– Limit Brushing Time and Frequency: Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Avoid brushing more than three times a day as it can cause more harm than good.

– Choose a Non-abrasive Toothpaste: Some toothpaste contains abrasive particles. Opt for those labeled as gentle or for sensitive teeth.

– Use Light Pressure: Apply only gentle pressure when brushing. If the bristles of your toothbrush splay out over time, you might be brushing too hard,

– Consider Electric Toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes often come with pressure sensors and timers to help ensure you brush gently and for the correct amount of time. We love the Philips Sonicare!

If you suspect you have toothbrush abrasion, it’s important to consult your dentist. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or in severe cases, gum grafting or dental restorations to repair loss of gum tissue and/or worn teeth.

How tissue grating can protect and save your teeth

March 6, 2020
Britten
Dentistry

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gum tissue often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to reestablish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.
Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.