• Directory
  • Search
  • All results
  • Journals
  • Definitions
Pathologic Function
tooth abrasion
tooth a·bra·sion
Subclass of:
Tooth Wear
Definitions related to tooth abrasion:
  • The pathologic wearing away of the tooth substance by brushing, bruxism, clenching, and other mechanical causes. It is differentiated from TOOTH ATTRITION in that this type of wearing away is the result of tooth-to-tooth contact, as in mastication, occurring only on the occlusal, incisal, and proximal surfaces. It differs also from TOOTH EROSION, the progressive loss of the hard substance of a tooth by chemical processes not involving bacterial action. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p2)
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Wearing away of tooth enamel by an outside mechanical force.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary > T
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

  • About
  • Feedback
  • Guides
  • Terms
© 2026 OpenMD
The content on this site is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health care provider.