[Health Column] Tooth Erosion and Sensitivity: A Comprehensive Guide from Causes to Self-Check and Treatment

 

Hello, I am Soo-hwan Oh, the Chief Director and Board-certified Orthodontist at Smile D Dental Clinic. 😊

 

When drinking cold water or brushing teeth, the teeth suddenly It stings and feels cold Have you ever been surprised?

 

Even when looking closely in the mirror, no cavities are visible, yet many people experience discomfort due to erosion at the gum-to-toe boundary or sensitivity to even light stimuli. These Tooth erosion (cervical abrasion) This is a very common symptom among modern people.

 

In today's column, I will explain in an easy-to-understand manner everything from the causes of tooth erosion, to self-check methods you can easily perform at home, and treatment and prevention methods.

 

1️⃣ Why do tooth erosion and sensitivity occur?

The boundary area where the tooth and gum meet (cervical region) is the outer wall of the tooth structure The part where the enamel is thinnest and vulnerable to irritation The main causes of hollowing in this area are broadly divided into two categories.

 

🔹 Incorrect toothbrushing habits (horizontal brushing)

The habit of brushing vigorously in a horizontal direction can be a cause. When the abrasive components in toothpaste combine with strong horizontal friction, the delicate cervical surface of the tooth gradually wears away and becomes eroded. In this case, the eroded surface tends to be relatively smooth and appear consecutively on multiple teeth.

 

🔹 Excessive chewing force and tooth fracture (abfraction)

One of the reasons that takes up more weight than brushing is Occlusal force (chewing force) If you habitually enjoy hard and chewy foods or have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, strong forces are concentrated on the weak areas of your teeth. At this time, as the teeth undergo subtle curvature, the surface gradually crumbles and breaks off. In such cases, the eroded surface is irregular and may appear localized on specific teeth.

 

 

 

2️⃣ What is the self-check method to identify tooth erosion at home?

Tooth indentations are often difficult to see directly because they are hidden by the cheeks and lips. You can attempt a self-diagnosis using the following methods.

 

Touch it with your fingernails	When you gently scrape the boundary between your teeth and gums with the tip of your fingernail, check if it feels rough, catches like a jaw, or causes a tingling sensation.
Check with the tongue	Check if you can feel a groove when you touch the gum line with the tip of your tongue.
Air and cold water test	Check if a specific tooth feels sharp and sensitive when you forcefully inhale air into your mouth or hold cold water in your mouth.

 

If any of the three conditions apply, there is a possibility that changes have begun in the cervical area. However, self-checking is for reference only; the depth and cause of the indentation can only be accurately determined through a direct examination at a dental clinic.

 

3️⃣ Should I treat tooth erosion immediately? Is observation possible?

Just because tooth erosion is confirmed does not mean that immediate filling treatment is necessary in all cases.

 

 

4️⃣ Treatment methods for tooth erosion (Resin vs. GI) and the role of occlusal adjustment?

Tooth pitting treatment basically involves filling the pitted area with dental material. Blocks nerve impulses and protects the tooth structure It proceeds in the following manner.

 

🔹 Selection of Filling Treatment Materials

Resin	It offers excellent aesthetics as it closely matches the color of teeth. With high adhesion and durability, the risk of detachment is relatively low, and treatment takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per tooth. (Not covered by insurance)
GI (Glass Ionomer)	It has the advantage of being covered by health insurance, making it more affordable. However, compared to resin, it is somewhat less aesthetically pleasing and has lower strength, resulting in a relatively higher risk of detachment.

 

🔹 Concurrent occlusal adjustment (Grinding)

It is difficult to prevent recurrence by simply filling the teeth. If the main cause of the erosion is excessive chewing force (occlusal force), Combination of filling treatment and occlusal adjustment It must be done. By finely adjusting the contact surface to prevent excessive vertical and horizontal forces from being applied to the tooth during the biting process, it prevents recurrence and additional fracture.

 

Since the choice of material and whether occlusal adjustment is necessary depend on the location, depth, and cause of the indentation, it is recommended to receive a diagnosis first.

 

 

🗣️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. My skin feels slightly sensitive only when I eat cold food. Do I really need to get treatment?

A1. If the sensitivity is temporary and the grooves are not severe, you can first monitor the situation by improving your brushing technique and adjusting your diet. However, if the sensitivity gradually worsens or the grooves deepen, it is recommended to visit a dentist for a professional diagnosis.

 

Q2. Which material is better to choose between resin and GI treatment?

A2. Resin treatment is advantageous for front teeth or premolars that are visible when smiling, or if durability is a priority. On the other hand, if you wish to reduce the financial burden and desire temporary reinforcement, you can consider GI treatment, which is covered by health insurance. You can choose the option that best suits your individual dental condition and preferences.

 

Q3. If I only receive filling treatment, will the tooth not go away again?

A3. If you simply fill in the erosion without correcting the underlying causes, such as lateral brushing habits or excessive chewing force, the material may fall out or the surrounding area may erode again. It is crucial to provide proper toothbrushing education and, if necessary, occlusal adjustment to prevent recurrence.

 

Q4. What are the proper brushing habits to prevent tooth erosion?

A4. It is recommended to hold the toothbrush lightly without applying excessive force. When brushing, we recommend practicing 'vertical brushing,' sweeping from top to bottom along the grain of the teeth rather than horizontally.

 

 

🎯 Conclusion

Tooth erosion and tooth sensitivity are common dental conditions that can affect anyone. In the early stages, Proper brushing techniques and managing soft eating habits You can slow down or prevent the progression just by doing that, so there is no need to be too impatient or feel afraid.

 

 

However, as the progression and causes of tooth erosion vary from person to person, rather than applying a uniform treatment method, we recommend that you carefully determine the conservative treatment plan most suitable for your oral condition through thorough consultation with a dental specialist. 🦷

 

 

👨‍⚕️ Chief Director Oh Su-hwan (Smile D Dental Clinic)

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Major in Orthodontics, Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry

Ministry of Health and Welfare certified orthodontist

Regular Member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists · Certified Orthodontist

Completed internship and residency in Orthodontics at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital

International member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)

International member of the World Federation of Correctional Organizations (WFO)

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry