Many people think that brushing teeth is a trivial matter, but it is not. The correct brushing method can effectively remove plaque and soft scale from teeth and periodontal tissues, which can play a role in preventing dental caries and periodontal disease, while the wrong way of brushing can ruin our teeth! Some friends often have toothache and sore teeth when it is cold, they always think it is caused by tooth decay, but they do not know it is also likely to be caused by “wedge-shaped defect”. What is a wedge-shaped defect? It is a defect formed by the slow consumption of the neck of the tooth, in the shape of “V”, because it looks like a carpenter’s wedge, so it is called “wedge-shaped defect”. Causes of wedge-shaped defect: 1, incorrect brushing Long-term horizontal brushing or using too hard toothbrush, brushing too hard can lead to tooth neck wear. Clinically, cervical wedge defects are more often located in the third and fourth teeth in the upper and lower jaws respectively, and these teeth are at the corners of the teeth, so they are subjected to the greatest force when brushing. 2, weak tissue in the neck of the teeth There is also a weak part of the teeth, the neck of the teeth, this place has the least enamel coverage, so the gums are also prone to inflammation or atrophy resulting in the exposure of the tooth, so the wear resistance is the worst. 3, the role of squeeze In brushing, the cheek muscles on the toothbrush there is a squeeze, this squeeze makes the toothbrush on the teeth more friction, intensifying the horizontal brushing tooth way on the tooth neck protruding part of the wear. 4, the role of acid The acid in the gingival sulcus fluid is associated with wedge defects, which explains the occurrence of defects on the root side of the gingival margin. Patients with gastritis and teeth of people with frequent acid reflux are also prone to wedge defects. 5, the role of bacteria It is believed that acid-producing bacteria in the cervical plaque to form a large amount of acid, resulting in tooth demineralization, the strength of reduced dental tissue under the action of external forces prone to produce wedge-shaped defects. How should wedge defects be treated? Milder symptoms: For those with less tissue loss and no acidic symptoms, no special treatment is needed locally. However, it is important to avoid horizontal brushing and to use a softer toothbrush and toothpaste with finer abrasives. For heavy defects: composite resin or glass ionomer bonding powder with similar color to the tooth and certain adhesive properties can be used to fill the wedge-shaped defect to prevent further development. Severe defects: Patients with severe defects that cause pulpitis and apical inflammation should be treated promptly. Wedge defect is not a too complicated condition, and timely treatment can reduce the pain caused by dental disease and tooth loss. Can wedge defects be prevented? Choosing the right toothbrush with the right brushing style is essential to prevent wedge defects. The bristles of the toothbrush should not be too stiff, and the vertical brushing method with up and down movements should be used, avoiding the horizontal brushing method with a sawing motion. If a defect has already formed, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Warm tip: In fact, when you feel symptoms such as tooth discomfort and soreness, the problem is already quite serious. Usually we can do a self-examination: look into the mirror and see if there are any small defects in the neck of the teeth.