What is Pitting in Dentistry?
Pitting occurs in the enamel of the tooth structure and is a form of tooth wear. Tooth wear can result from any number of factors including both external and internal forces. Patients that grind their teeth in their sleep may experience tooth wear on the occlusal surface whereas patients that suffer from GERD or other medical conditions such as bulimia experience pitting and wear on any surface of the teeth.
Types of Tooth Wear
Abrasion
Tooth wear caused by friction such as brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles is called abrasion. This type of wear is typically evident on the outer surfaces of the back teeth where a wedge or V-shaped indentation of the tooth can be seen at the gum line. Patients should use gentle, circular motions (not back and forth!) with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Erosion
Erosion affects the enamel and dentin on the outer surface of the teeth by dissolving calcium in the tooth and is caused by dietary and gastric acids continually washing over the surfaces of the teeth. Foods and beverages with a high acid content can cause tooth erosion. Erosion can also be caused by an internal source as with stomach acid.
Erosion is common and usually preventable. Acid produced in the stomach is powerful enough to damage bone and teeth so patients suffering from gastric reflux or chronic regurgitation, such as bulimia, can have extensive damage as a result of stomach acids repeatedly coming into contact with teeth.
Pits in the enamel are a great place for dental plaque and bacteria to hide and when the bacteria in our mouth break down food, particles of food that get caught in the pits on the surface of the teeth can exacerbate the pitting and quickly lead to decay.
Treatment For Enamel Pitting
Your dentist may have a number of treatment options available to restore pitted enamel. Dental bonding is a common tool used to fill in the pits, just like a cavity. Composite bonding is a tooth colored resin material that is placed over the surface of the tooth to smooth the pitting. It is then cured with an ultraviolet light and is a great way to restore your smile!
Some patients may be a candidate for porcelain veneers or even crowns where needed. Dental crowns fit over the entire exposed structure of the tooth to the gum line and veneers are placed only on the facial surface, the front of the tooth that shows when you smile.
If you are experiencing enamel pitting, it is important to see your dentist and perhaps your primary care physician to determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing your teeth to erode in such a manner. It is important to treat the cause of enamel pitting so that it does not continue and your dental restorations last as long as possible.