What is Pitting in Dentistry?
Taking care of your oral health is extremely important. Without taking care of your oral health at home and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, a variety of oral health issues may occur. One of these issues is pitting.
Tooth Enamel
In order to understand pitting, it’s first important to understand what tooth enamel is. Tooth enamel is the translucent, strong exterior of the tooth. It is extremely durable, but it can be damaged. Once it is, it can only be repaired. It can never truly “heal.” It’s very important to take care of the enamel of your teeth to avoid damage and decay.
What is Pitting in Dentistry?
Pitting in dentistry is the formation of pits in a patient’s tooth. Often this is due to food particles getting trapped and eventually wearing away the enamel of a tooth.
Another reason for teeth pitting is enamel hypoplasia. This is a genetic condition that cannot be prevented. With that said, it can be treated to ensure it doesn’t lead to major oral health issues and damage to the tooth or teeth affected by the condition.
What Leads to Erosion and Pitting?
A few different factors can contribute to pitting and erosion. Some of these include:
* Drinking soda and fruit drinks. Fruit drinks that are high in acid content and soda will eventually wear away at the enamel of your teeth. In order to avoid this, you should limit your intake of these beverages.
* Acid reflux and heartburn. Acid reflux can lead to stomach acid making its way up to your mouth. These acids can erode your enamel.
* Brushing too hard. Brushing thoroughly is important but brushing too hard can damage tooth enamel.
* Enamel hypoplasia. As discussed above, enamel hypoplasia can cause pitting. The condition can’t be reversed but the symptoms can be treated.
* Grinding and clenching. Clenching and grinding of the teeth (bruxism) will eventually wear away at teeth enamel unless addressed.
The solutions to some of these issues are quite simple. You can cut back on soda and acidic drinks, brush less hard, and visit your doctor for acid reflux medication. Changing your diet also may address acid reflux.
For enamel hypoplasia treatment, visit your dentist. If you are suffering from bruxism, your dentist can make you a custom mouthguard. If you don’t opt for the custom mouthguard, you should at least purchase an over-the-counter mouthguard.
Signs of Enamel Erosion
Some of the signs of enamel erosion you should look out for include:
* Cracks and chips
* Pain and sensitivity
* Discoloration
* Pits and fissures
Treatment Options
In order to treat pitting and enamel erosion, set an appointment with your dentist. One treatment option may be the use of a sealant. If the erosion is bad enough, though, a veneer or crown may be required.
Reach Out Today!
If you believe you have pitting or would simply like to learn more, reach out today. We will provide you with more information and schedule you for an appointment so the dentist can check your tooth if you believe you have pitting.