Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "attrition" specifically refers to the reduction of tooth structure due to abrasive wear, primarily caused by the mechanical action of teeth grinding against each other during normal functions such as chewing. Over time, this abrasion can lead to a gradual wearing down of the enamel and, potentially, the underlying dentin.

Attrition is typically a natural process and can be affected by factors such as occlusion, bruxism (grinding of teeth), and the type of food consumed. It is important to distinguish this process from other types of tooth deterioration, such as erosion, which involves loss of tooth surface due to chemical means like acid exposure, or caries, which relates to decay due to bacteria and acids.

Understanding this definition is crucial for diagnosing dental wear accurately and implementing appropriate preventive or restorative measures.