A gum line cavity is a type of tooth decay that occurs near the gums at the bottom of teeth. It appears close and above the gumline on the smooth surface. This type of decay occurs slowly over time and can cause severe pain if not treated. If it becomes severe it can extend over the root and crown of the tooth, resulting in tooth loss.
The symptoms of the gum line cavity include mild pain or aches while eating sweet food, visible holes in the tooth, or white discolorations on the tooth’s surface. Even though it is a common condition, not getting treatment can lead to permanent tooth damage.
The gum line cavity is caused by dental plaque and starts off small at first, almost unnoticeable. Over time it causes symptoms like toothache and sensitivity. If you notice the symptoms, consult a dentist quickly to prevent further damage.
Understanding Gum Line Cavities And Their Effects
The gum line cavity is a decay that forms on the smooth sides of the teeth, often between the teeth. They cause small pits or holes on the surface of the teeth near the gums. It mostly occurs close to but above the gum line and the cavity that forms below the gum line is a root cavity. It cannot be treated with regular brushing or a dental filling and requires restorative dental procedures.
Gum line cavities are common and can affect both adults and children alike. They can be treated but the treatment depends on the size and location of the cavity. The cavity can be treated with a composite filling it is located above the gum line and is not extensive.
However, if the cavity is below the gum line, it is more complicated and requires more extensive care to prevent it from spreading to other areas. It can be serious or cause permanent damage if not treated quickly.
What Causes Gum Line Cavity?
The main causes of gum line cavities are plaque, acid demineralization, and tartar. Plaque buildup is the biggest culprit of gum line cavities. Plaque is a sticky layer that forms on the teeth upon the bacteria feeding on sugars from food and drinks.
These bacteria break down those sugars and turn them into acid, which wears away the hard enamel layer. The plaque causes black pits that eat away at the teeth until they affect the gum line. The plaque hardens into a yellowish layer called tartar, which causes the gums to recede and as the gum recedes, tartar builds up and creates cavities.
Other causes of gum line cavities include;
- Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing daily.
- Genetics.
- Aging.
- Injuries to the teeth or gums.
- Dry mouth.
- Certain medications.
- Too much sugary foods and drinks.
- Acidic foods.
- Gum recession.
- Smoking.
Gum Line Cavity Symptoms
The symptoms of gum line cavities are;
- Toothache
Toothache is the most common symptom of gumline cavities development. One will experience pain in the tooth especially while biting or chewing.
- Temperature sensitivity
Those with gum line cavities will experience sensitivity towards hot and cold. You might wince when drinking something cold or hot foods and drinks.
- Pits or holes
Visible pits or holes in the teeth near the gum line are other signs of gum line cavities. If you notice pits or holes, visit a dentist soon and get treatment before it worsens.
- Stains on the surface of the tooth
At first, gum line cavities are hardly noticeable. Only white discolorations will be visible but can turn into darker stains over time.
- Swollen or red gums
Gum line cavities can cause swelling or redness around the affected tooth.
- Bad breath or bad taste
One might experience bad breath or taste in the mouth as a result of gum line cavities.
- Preventing gum line cavity
You can take certain measures that will help prevent a cavity near the gum line. You can follow the below measures;
- Brushing and flossing daily
Brush and floss twice daily to prevent cavities and other oral problems. Ensure you rinse the mouth thoroughly after every meal to avoid plaque buildup and food debris. Practicing proper hygiene helps eliminate the bacteria in the mouth that can cause damage to the teeth and gums.
- Regular dental checkups
Ensure you go for regular dental checkups as gum line cavities can be hard to notice at first but they can be diagnosed and treated sooner. Regular checkups and cleanings help reduce the risk of cavities and protect the teeth from damage.
- Using fluoride toothpaste
The dentist may advise using a fluoride toothpaste as it helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. It also helps reverse early signs of decay or damage.
- A healthy diet
Follow a healthy diet and reduce sugary food and drinks to prevent plaque buildup. Eating nutritious food helps improve and strengthen overall oral health.
- Avoiding snacking too much
Having too many sugary foods or snacks exposes the enamel to acid attacks, which results in cavities over time. So, to prevent gum line cavities and other dental complications, limit snacking and sugary food items.
- Drinking plenty of water
Drink plenty of water and keep the body hydrated as it helps neutralize acidic foods and beverages. It protects the enamel from tooth decay and damage. Also, water cleans the mouth by removing bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities.
- Quitting smoking
Smoking can reduce saliva flow and cause the mouth to be dry. This increases the risk of bad breath, tooth decay, and other problems. So, to prevent gum line cavities and restore oral health, quit smoking.
How To Treat A Gum Line Cavity?
Early stages of gum line cavities can be treated with remineralization using fluoride. If the cavity is above the gum line and is not too complicated or large, a filling can help treat it. The dentist will numb the area around the tooth and remove the decayed material, replacing the hole with a composite material. This treatment is common and usually painless.
On the other hand, if the cavity is located below the gum line or the tooth root, a root canal or minor gum surgery might be needed to treat it. It is difficult to treat because of the location of the cavity.
Conclusion
A gum line cavity is a type of tooth decay that occurs near the gums at the bottom of teeth or above the gum line. It is a common oral condition but if it is not treated, it can lead to serious permanent complications.
The symptoms of the gum line cavity include mild pain or aches while eating sweet food, visible holes in the tooth, or white discolorations on the tooth’s surface. It is caused by dental plaque which starts off small at first, almost unnoticeable. Over time it causes symptoms like toothache and sensitivity. If you notice any symptoms, consult a dentist quickly to prevent further damage.
The main causes of gum line cavities are plaque, acid demineralization, and tartar which is why it is vital to maintain good oral hygiene. Other causes of gumline cavities include genetics, aging, injuries to the teeth or gums, dry mouth, smoking, certain medications, consuming too many sugary fruits and drinks, and gum recession.
This condition can be prevented by brushing and flossing daily, having regular checkups, following a healthy diet, limiting sugary snacks, quitting smoking, and being hydrated. Early stages of gum line cavities can be treated with remineralization using fluoride. If the cavity is above the gum line and is not too complicated or large, a filling can help treat it.
However, if the cavity is located below the gum line or the tooth root, a root canal or minor gum surgery might be needed to treat it. It is difficult to treat because of the location of the cavity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. cavities near the gum line can be fixed but their treatment depends on the location of the cavity and how fat it has spread.
The cavity can be treated with a filling if it is small and above the gum line. However, if the cavity is located below the gum line or the tooth root, a root canal or minor gum surgery might be needed to treat it.
Yes. Gum line cavities are a common dental problem affecting children and adults.
Yes. A cavity can form on the gumline which is known as the gumline cavity or root surface cavity.
A gum line cavity can result in gum pain, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, discolored teeth, pain while biting or chewing, bad breath, tooth abscess, and even tooth loss.
A cavity that occurs below the gum line is called the root cavity. It is more complicated than cavities above the gum line which needs extensive care.
