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! Often people complain that they feel their teeth are sensitive when they eat something hot, cold, sour or sweet, but it’s not painful, not like tooth decay, so what’s going on? We can look at a few pictures: Do your teeth have the above situation? This is not a cavity, but a “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 way 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, 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 to treat wedge-shaped defect? 1, less symptomatic: For those who have less tissue defect and no acidic symptoms, no special treatment is needed locally. However, avoid cross-brushing and use softer toothbrush and toothpaste with finer abrasives. If there is sensitivity can choose desensitization treatment. 2.Heavier defect: The wedge-shaped defect can be filled with composite resin or glass ionomer bonding powder which is similar to the color of the tooth and has a certain adhesive property to prevent further development. 3.Severe defect: Patients with severe defect and caused pulpitis and apical inflammation should be treated in time. Wedge defect is not too complicated disease, timely treatment can reduce the pain caused by dental disease and tooth loss. Can wedge defect 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 discomfort, soreness and other symptoms of your teeth, 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 on the neck of the teeth. Proper control of brushing strength and brushing style will help to reduce the chipping.