Attrition
Pronunciation: uh-TRISH-un
The physiological or pathological wearing away of tooth structure caused by tooth-to-tooth contact.
Full Definition
Attrition is one of four recognised mechanisms of tooth surface loss (TSL), alongside erosion, abrasion, and abfraction. It results specifically from direct tooth-to-tooth contact during function or parafunction (such as bruxism) and produces wear facets that are typically flat and matching on opposing teeth. Editors of dental case reports and insurance documents must carefully distinguish attrition from erosion (chemical dissolution) and abrasion (external mechanical wear), as the clinical cause and treatment implication differ materially. Editors should flag any narrative that uses these terms interchangeably.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'attrition' as a synonym for 'erosion' or 'abrasion.' Each term has a specific aetiology, and conflation is a significant clinical writing error.
In Context
- "Severe attrition was noted on the palatal surfaces of the upper anterior teeth, consistent with a bruxism history." — Clinical examination report
- "The case report incorrectly attributed the tooth surface loss to erosion; an editorial query was raised to confirm whether attrition was the intended diagnosis." — Peer-reviewed case report