First of all, what is the wedge-shaped defect? It refers to the defect in cervical part of tooth resulting from a long-term and slow abrasion. It is in a shape of V, bearing a strong resemblance to a wedge of carpenter. That why it’s called wedge-shaped defect.

What’s the main causes of wedge-shaped defect?

1. Vigorous and horizontal motion of brushing as well as a hard-bristled toothbrush will result in abrasion of enamel and dentin.

2. Without replacing toothbrush regularly. The bristles gets hardened overtime due to reactions of various chemicals in mouth and toothpaste.

3. Brushing properly for more than two times serves little help in preventing cavities and periodontal problems, on the other hand it increases the abrasion of the teeth.

4. Brushing for a long time, usually more than 3-5 minutes at a time, does you more harm than help. Because along with removal of tooth plaque, it may also result in abrasion of the enamel and dentin at a microscopic level, which is hard to be noticed at the very beginning.

How to treat wedge-shaped defect?

Actually the choice of treatment should be based on the severity of defect. It can be break down into the following three categories.

In mild defect cases, there is less defect in tissues and no symptoms of pain, thus a partially special disposal is not required. However, more attention should be paid to the teeth brushing process. It should be avoided to brush teeth horizontally. And it’d better choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fine abrasive grains.

In moderate defect cases, the composite resin or glass ionomer cement, with a similar color to teeth and a certain degree of adhesion, can be used to repair the defect, preventing it from worsening.

In severe defect cases, a proper treatment should be undertaken in time, in that severe defect may lead to pulpitis and apicitis. Wedge-shaped defect is not a symptom that complicated. If a treatment is conducted in time, the pain caused by dental diseases and tooth loss can be largely reduced.

Is wedge-shaped defect preventive?

Both a proper toothbrush and a correct way of brushing teeth are inevitable for the prevention of wedge-shaped defect. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended, and try not to brush teeth horizontally but vertically. If the defect has already happened, then you need to repair it as soon as possible.

Here comes my kind reminders. The situation gets quite serious when there are symptoms like toothaches. Firstly you can make a self-checkup in your spare time. Using the mirror to see whether there is a mild defect on the cervical part of teeth or not. You can also use hands to feel your teeth. A bumpy surface of teeth should draw your attention.