title: In vitro reproduction of incisal/occlusal cupping/cratering.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Occlusal cupping/cratering (depressed dentin surrounded by elevated rims of enamel) has been postulated to be the result of abrasion, bruxism, attrition, acid erosion, stress corrosion, or a combination of these. The primary etiology or the multifactorial sequence of occlusal cupping/cratering remains scientifically unsubstantiated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to reproduce occlusal/incisal cupping/cratering in vitro. This study was designed to create cupping/cratering on the occlusal surfaces of extracted human teeth rather than to quantify the amount of lost tooth structure caused by abrasion.
  
  
  METHODS
  One name-brand toothbrush was tested with 2 different dentifrices (of different abrasive potentials [low and high]) and water only (nonabrasive) on extracted human teeth. Six specimens of 4 teeth each (24 teeth) were subjected to horizontal brushing in a 1:1 toothpaste/water slurry and water only.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The control group, brushed with water only, demonstrated no visible loss of tooth structure. Each of the specimens brushed with toothpaste, regardless of the degree of abrasivity, demonstrated visible wear of the dentin, resulting in occlusal/incisal cupping/cratering.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pronounced cupping/cratering was caused by horizontal brushing with commercial toothpastes. Brushing in water demonstrated no visual loss of occlusal tooth structure. (J Prosthet Dent 2013;109:384-391).
authors.affiliation: drjjd1@mac.com
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dzakovich
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Oslak
mesh_terms: D001732:Bite Force; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D010710:Phosphates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014002:Tin Fluorides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000209:etiology*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000379:methods*; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: C510825:Crest Pro-Health Dentifrice; D010710:Phosphates; D014002:Tin Fluorides; D014100:Toothpastes