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 I. Incorrect brushing method 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 of the upper and lower jaws respectively, which are at the corners of the teeth, and therefore are subject to the greatest force when brushing. The teeth also have a weak part, the cervical part, where the enamel coverage is the least, so the gums are also prone to inflammation or atrophy leading to the exposure of the tooth, so the wear resistance is the worst. Third, the role of extrusion in brushing, cheek muscles on the toothbrush there is a squeezing effect, this squeeze makes the toothbrush more friction on the teeth, intensifying the wear and tear on the prominent part of the neck of the teeth in the horizontal brushing way. Fourth, the role of acid The acid in the gingival sulcus fluid is associated with wedge-shaped defects, which explains the occurrence of defects on the root side of the gingival margin. Patients with gastritis and those with frequent acid reflux are also prone to wedge defects in their teeth. Fifth, 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? For those with mild symptoms For those with little 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, a composite resin or glass ionomer with similar color to the tooth and certain adhesive properties can be used to fill the wedge-shaped defect to prevent further development. Patients with severe defects Pulpitis and apical infection caused by severe defects 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. Reminder: 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.