Tooth cupping, or dental erosion, is a condition in which the enamel on the surface of teeth becomes worn away, often resulting in a concave or cupped appearance.
The progression of this erosion may lead to the gradual collapse of the enamel.
Although mirrors can reveal oral imperfections, it is typically during routine dental check-ups that molar cupping is most often detected and managed.
Symptoms of Tooth Cupping
- Enamel loss: Teeth can become fragile as their outer layer erodes.
- Textured surface: Teeth may become dimpled or pitted as enamel peels away.
- Discoloration: As enamel thins, dentin may appear, turning teeth yellow, brown, or gray.
- Sensitivity: Teeth may be more sensitive to temperature, acidic meals and drinks, and other irritants without enamel.
- Sharp edges: Eroded teeth may have sharp edges that make biting and chewing unpleasant.
- Fractures: Tooth cupping can cause enamel cracks and chips that require restorative therapy.
- Sensitivity: Dental erosion makes teeth more susceptible to decay and illness.
Common Causes Leading to Tooth Cupping
Acidic foods and beverages
Consuming acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, vinegar, carbonated beverages, and sports drinks can lead to the development of tooth cupping.
Medical conditions
Gastrointestinal disorders like acid reflux disease and GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) can cause stomach acids to reach the mouth, eroding tooth enamel and contributing to tooth cupping.
Dry mouth
Insufficient saliva production can cause dry mouth, leading to the accumulation of harmful bacteria and the development of tooth cupping.
Avoiding Enamel Indentations
Incorporate the following in your oral habit to avoid enamel erosion:
Good dental hygiene
Reduce the chance of tooth cupping by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash to remove plaque and avoid the buildup of harmful bacteria.
Modifying your diet
Avoid enamel erosion and the development of indentations by limiting the consumption of acidic foods and beverages and increasing the consumption of calcium and other nutrients.
Diseases and illnesses
Treating medical conditions like acid reflux illness and dry mouth is essential to avoid tooth cupping and erosion.
Routine dental checkups
Teeth cupping and other oral health problems can be caught early, treated effectively, and prevented from causing further harm if you have frequent dental checkups.
Regular dental checkups, a healthy diet, and good at-home oral care are all proven methods for avoiding tooth cupping. You can also take additional preventative measures, such as fluoride treatments or mouthguards, to prevent grinding or clenching of teeth.
Tooth Cupping Treatments
- Dental restorations: Dental restoration can smooth mild to severe tooth cupping depressions and avoid decay. Composite resin or ceramic fillers are standard.
- Dental crowns: Dental crowns help treat more extreme cases of tooth cupping. A crown is a cap cemented over a complete tooth to fortify and protect it.
- Root canal: Root canal treatment is suitable if squeezing damages the tooth’s nerve. The damaged tissue has to be removed, and the tooth sealed and restored with a crown or filling.
- Tooth removal: Removing a tooth if it has sustained extensive decay or damage may be essential. Extraction is usually the dentist’s last choice after trying less invasive treatments first.
Conclusion
Cupping damages enamel and dentin. Dry lips, acidic meals, and medical conditions can erode teeth. Good oral hygiene, a nutritious diet, and regular dental checkups can avoid tooth cupping.
More severe tooth cupping may require dental repairs, coronal crowns, root canals, and tooth removal. Prevent teeth cupping with these measures.