Tooth Cupping: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

What is Tooth Cupping?

Tooth cupping is a type of erosion that forms on the cusps of your teeth. This happens when acid eats away at your enamel, making it yellower or feel thinner at the edges.

Once the enamel is gone, the underlying part of the tooth is exposed, which leads to sensitivity. Eroded enamel is also more susceptible to developing cavities and fractures.

Tooth cupping and tooth erosion are typically caused by:

Acidic, citric, and sugary foods
Dental plaque
Acid reflux
Dry mouth
Poor oral care/aggressive brushing

Signs of Tooth Cupping

As mentioned before, tooth sensitivity is one of the signs of tooth cupping. This happens especially when you eat anything hot, cold, or sweet.

Your teeth might also start to change in color and shape. They’ll start to look yellow, and the edges of your teeth may look smooth or translucent.

How to Prevent Tooth Cupping

A good oral hygiene routine is one of the best ways to prevent tooth cupping. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth to give your enamel time to recover. Otherwise, the acidic environment in your mouth immediately after consuming food or drink may strip away your enamel.

Using toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride can help strengthen and protect your enamel. Other ways to prevent tooth cupping include:

Limiting or avoiding acidic and sugary foods, including lemons/ limes/ oranges
Avoiding smoking
Managing conditions like acid reflux and dry mouth
Staying hydrated
Using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism)
Routine dental checkups and cleanings

Treatment Options for Tooth Cupping

Although there are various ways to prevent tooth cupping, sometimes prevention isn’t enough. In some cases, the wear has progressed to the need for treatment.

Here’s where your dentist comes in. Here are some treatment options for tooth cupping:

Procedure	Description	Suitability
Fluoride treatments	Topical fluoride treatments help strengthen the remaining enamel and reduce sensitivity.	Best for the early stages of erosion to prevent further damage.
Dental bonding	It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the cupped areas. The resin looks like a natural tooth structure and prevents further damage.	Ideal for cases where the erosion has not reached the dentin but can be done in cases where dentin is involved.
Inlays and onlays	These are custom-made restorations that fit into or onto the tooth. Inlays fit within the cusps of the teeth, while onlays cover one or more cusps.	Best for moderate erosion.
Orthodontic treatment	If the dental cupping is associated with malocclusion, orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners may be recommended.	Suitable for patients with misaligned teeth contributing to uneven wear and cupping.
Dental crowns and veneers	Crowns cover the entire tooth, while veneers cover the front surface of the teeth. Both provide protection and restore function.	Crowns or veneers may be recommended for more severe cases.

Why is the Enamel Important?

Enamel is designed to protect the softer layers of teeth; it’s even harder than your bones. However, unlike your bones, your body can’t regrow enamel. Once it’s damaged, it does not come back.

While you can’t repair or regrow enamel, you can remineralize it. You can do this by having a good oral care routine, healthy dietary choices, and regular dental checkups.