Learn how to diagnose, monitor, and treat different types of tooth wear including erosion, attrition, abrasion, and abfraction with this infographic based on Dr. Glenn Clark’s course on abnormal oral physiology and sensory disorders.

Dental attrition is defined as the progressive wearing down of teeth caused by direct contact between them. Teeth are coated with a tough material known as enamel, which serves as a protective barrier against wear and damage. When dental attrition occurs, this protective layer is permanently worn away.

This approach is strategically employed to address a patient grappling with a reduced vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and generalized attrition. The overarching goal is to elevate oral health and enhance the quality of life by restoring not only aesthetics but also functionality and occlusal harmony [ 6 ].

Dental attrition is tooth wear caused by tooth to tooth contact. Well-defined wear facets appear on tooth cusps or ridges. This can be caused by several factors, including parafunctional habits such as bruxism or clenching, developmental defects, hard or rough-textured diet, and absence of posterior teeth support.