Definition Following definitions are commoniy used to describe trauma from occlusion, Etiology of TFO There are many factors involved in the ebology of TFO. Broadly, they can be divided into two categories. In TFO, tho precipitating factors aro the destructive occlusal forces. The predisposing factors are those which contnbute tothe development of TFO indirectly. They include intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Precipitating factors: ‘As already statod, destructive occlusal forces are the precipitating or the primary aiology of TFO. The occlusal forces when within the normal range can be well adapted by tooth-supporting sof tissues. But, wien these forces exceed the ‘adaptive capacity of tooth supporting tissues, pathological changes can be seen in the soft tissues. These forces are usually dose ribed in terms of magritude, direction, duration of application and froquancy of application When the magnitude of occlusal forces exceeds the normal range of forces fora tooth, due to natural adaptive response, some changes can be approciated in the periodontal ligament. There is ‘widening ofthe periodontal ligament (PDL) space, an increase in the number of PDL fiers, an increase in ‘the width of POL fibers and an increase in the density of alveolar bone. ‘The principal fbers of the periodontal igament play an important role in withstanding the ‘occlusal forces and transferring them to the alveolar bone. Normally, they are oriented in such way tat thay are best capable of withstanding the occlusal forces. Bu, ithe direction of occlusal forces is changed, those fibers are not able to eficiontly boar the forces hence injury rasuts Ifthe abnormal occlusal forces are subjected to a tooth for a longer duration of time, they cause injury 10 the periodontal tooth-supporing structures, which can be seen histologically Frequent appication of abnormal occlusel forces results in more ‘damage tothe periodontal tooth supporting structures than less frequent applicationknow more... hypes of occlusal forces: => [Tne abnormal occlusal forces are the primary etiology of TFO. The occlusal forces can be divided into] jarious types according to their direction, magnitude, duration, and frequency of application. These are as lows, Normal physiological forces: [These forces are exerted on the teeth during chewing and swallowing. These are small magnitude forces 1nd rarely exceed 5N. These are beneficial to the periodontal structures as they provide a positive stimulus for the maintenance of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone in healthy and functional condition Impact forces: [These are the forces which are of high magnitude and are exerted on the tooth/teeth for a shorter duration| time. The periodontal ligament has inherent viscoelastic properties to absorb impact forces, but if these| forces exceed the viscoelastic butter capacity of the periodontal ligament, injury to the periodontal Iigament| alveolar bone results, |continuous forces: [These are very low magnitude forces subjected to the toothitesth for @ longer duration of time such as in| -ase of orthodontic treatment. These forces are directed in one direction, resulting in remodeling of the| vaolar bone moving the teeth in the desired diraction. igaling forces: [These are intermittent forces subjectad to the toothiteeth in mors than one direction, such as in case of Jpremature contacts (crowns! high filings) These are quite deleterious and result in widening of the veolus and increased tooth mobility.Predisposing factor: ‘These can be divided into intrinsic and extrinsic Factor, Intrinsic factors: Extrinsic factors: [Know more... [TFO does not depend on how the teeth occlude. Any kind of occlusion may result in TFO. An esthaticaliy lacceptablo occlusion may not be functionally normal. During the function, various kind of forces ara lexerted onto the teeth and their supporting structures. When a particular toothiteeth are not able to lissipate the occlusal forces normally, sofl issue injury may result whic fs totally independent ofthe type lof malocclusion,