15/10/2025
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🚫 Dental Abfraction: The Hidden Cause of Cervical Tooth Wear
Dental abfraction is a type of non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) that appears near the gum line, typically as a V-shaped groove. Unlike tooth decay, abfraction is not caused by bacteria but by mechanical stress acting on the tooth structure.
☑️ This stress usually results from bruxism (teeth grinding), malocclusion, or uneven bite forces. Over time, these repetitive flexing forces create microfractures in the enamel and dentin, leading to the gradual loss of tooth tissue. As the lesion progresses, many patients experience tooth sensitivity, especially when brushing or drinking cold beverages.
◽ Other factors that can worsen this condition include aggressive toothbrushing, abrasive toothpaste, and gum recession, which exposes the root surface.
◽ Treatment focuses on eliminating the underlying cause, often through bite adjustment or the use of a night guard to reduce grinding forces. In more advanced cases, composite resin restorations or resin-modified glass ionomers can be used to protect the exposed area and improve aesthetics.
👉 Preventing dental abfraction involves maintaining a gentle brushing technique, managing stress, and scheduling regular dental check-ups to detect early signs of enamel wear before significant damage occurs.
