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Attrition (dental)

Attrition is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from opposing teeth. Attrition initially affects the enamel and, if unchecked, may proceed to the underlying dentin. Once past the enamel, attrition quickly destroys the softer dentin.

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The most common cause of attrition is bruxism. Functional habits are those such as chewing and swallowing, which usually puts very little force on opposing teeth. Parafunctional habits, such as clenching and clicking the teeth together nervously, place greater amounts of forces on opposing teeth and begin to wear the teeth. As expected, wear usually begins on the incisal or occlusal surfaces.

References

Neville, B.W., D. Damm, C. Allen, J. Bouquot. Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology. Second edition. 2002. Page 56. ISBN 0-7216-9003-3.

v • d • e Oral Pathology: Oral pathology (K00-K14, 520-529)
Developmental Anomalies	Anodontia/Hypodontia - Hyperdontia - abnormalities of size and form of teeth (Concrescence, Fusion, Gemination, Dens evaginatus/Talon cusp, Dens invaginatus, Enamel pearl, Macrodontia, Microdontia, Taurodontism) - disturbances in tooth formation (Dilaceration, Regional odontodysplasia, Turner's hypoplasia) - other hereditary disturbances in tooth structure (Amelogenesis imperfecta, Dentinogenesis imperfecta, Dentin dysplasia)
Hard, Soft and Periapical Tissues	Attrition - Abrasion - Ankylosis - Dental caries - Denticles - Erosion - External resorption - Fluorosis - Gingivitis - Impaction - Internal resorption - Periodontitis - Pulpitis - Ulcer
Dentofacial Anomalies	Malocclusion - Micrognathism - Prognathism - Retrognathism - Temporomandibular joint disorder
Maxillomandibular anomalies	Odontogenic keratocyst - Torus mandibularis - Torus palatinus - Cherubism - Ameloblastoma
Salivary glands	Drooling - Benign lymphoepithelial lesion - Necrotizing sialometaplasia - Ranula - Sialadenitis - Sialolithiasis - Stomatitis - Xerostomia - Aphthous ulcer
Lip and Oral mucosa	Angular cheilitis - Erythroplakia - Hairy leukoplakia - Leukoplakia
Tongue	Geographic tongue - Fissured tongue - Glossitis - Glossodynia - Black hairy tongue