Anthony M. answered • 03/26/24
Tutor
New to Wyzant
Dental Assistant Instructor
So there may be a couple of ways that can contribute to weakening of a tooth.
- Attrition, where it is natural wear that occurs from eating and biting. The most natural way to looks small amounts of the outer surface, Enamel, is from the everyday habits and necessities.
- Abrasion, where now we deal with what can "mechanically" wear our tooth down. this would be from brushing, flossing, and anything abrasive that could "saw" at the tooth with any force and friction. This can be controlled a little more with the moderation of force when brushing, and changing the firmness of the tooth brush bristles to a "Soft" or "Extra Soft".
- Erosion, where the tooth is broken down layer by layer through introduction of acidic products that come in contact with our teeth. This would be any acidic products like soda, citrus, bile/vomit that is not immediately brushed or diluted off of the teeth soon after contact. This depends more on frequency of contact, and not on quantity at one time.
