Tooth cupping (also called tooth erosion) is a type of tooth wear that affects the cusps of your teeth. While healthy teeth have cusps that point upward, teeth with cupping have sunken cusps with obvious indents in them.
These indents look like little cups – hence the name. Despite the cute moniker, though, they’re far from harmless. Visible cupping indicates extensive enamel damage. In many cases, the affected tooth’s dentin (the softer, darker inner layer underneath the enamel) may be exposed. This leaves the tooth more vulnerable to problems like sensitivity and decay.
Tooth cupping is a common problem, but it can be devastating to your oral health. Luckily, dentists know exactly what causes it and how you can keep it from destroying your teeth. Read on to find out for yourself.
Why Does Tooth Cupping Happen?
Tooth cupping happens due to two factors:
- Acid exposure (from food and drink or stomach acid due to acid reflux or frequent vomiting)
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
In some cases, both factors are at play at the same time. This amplifies the effects of each factor and often leads to very severe damage.
Time also plays a role in this process. The longer your teeth are exposed to these forces, the deeper the cupping will become.
How to Prevent It
Tooth cupping can’t be reversed once it’s started, but there are a few things you can do to keep your teeth safe before it takes hold.
- Minimize acids in your diet. Foods like citrus fruits and drinks like soda pop and coffee are highly acidic. Consuming less of them means that your teeth will spend less time exposed to their erosive effects.
- Treat any gastrointestinal conditions you have. Acid-producing health problems like acid reflux and cyclic vomiting syndrome can be managed with medication and dietary changes.
- Wear a mouthguard at night. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, your dentist can make you a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Reduce stress as much as possible. Stress is a part of life, but too much can make teeth grinding worse. Eliminate unnecessary stressors and practice consistent self-care to keep bruxism under control.
These steps can also help keep tooth cupping from getting worse and protect any fillings, onlays, or crowns you get to cover the damaged areas.
Visit Coscarella Family Dentistry to Treat Tooth Cupping and More
Tooth cupping isn’t inevitable, and there are many ways to treat it if it does happen to you. Let the team of professionals here at Coscarella Family Dentistry help you recover your oral health and peace of mind. Contact us today to book an appointment and put your tooth cupping troubles behind you.
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