What is Gum Line Cavity?
Cavities are dental caries which indicates tooth decay. They create tiny holes in teeth which become prominent with time if untreated. Sometimes the tooth decay by cavity occurs in the gum line. It can be a sign of gum recession. This will leave the roots of teeth exposed. It is a stressful and painful condition. But you are not alone. 92% of adults between 20 to 65 years of age are diagnosed with gum line cavities.
Let us explain the essential facts about the gum line cavity treatment, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention.
What Causes a Cavity along the Gum Line?
Bacteria, dental plaque, and tartar are the most common reason for the gum line cavity. Bacteria are formed in your mouth by eating sugary foods and drinks. They commonly make a place in back teeth pits, along the gum line, and in molars. These bacteria are responsible for creating plaque, which results in the gum line cavity in most cases. Plaque builds a sticky layer around your teeth.
This layer eats on the hard enamel of your teeth. If not treated, plaque converts into the yellow hard layer known as tartar. This layer is formed around your gum line. The exposed tooth root due to gum recession is also accountable for the cavity by the gum line. Now that you know what causes tooth decay at the gum line, you can be more careful about your dental hygiene and eating habits.
What are the Gum Line Cavity Symptoms?
Dental tooth anatomy. Cross section of human tooth isolated on white.
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Toothache:
Pain in the tooth is almost a sure sign that cavity is developing in your tooth and gum.
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Tooth Sensitivity:
When your teeth feel extra sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks, they might have cavities.
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Pain After Eating Sweets:
The damage caused to enamel and cementum due to cavities leads to toothache after eating anything sweet.
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Spots on Teeth:
White spots converting into dark stains around your gum with time are also symptoms of a growing cavity.
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Small Holes in Teeth:
Small pits or holes in your tooth are a definite cavity symptom at a much deeper level. You should contact your dentist at the earliest in this case.
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One Side Sensitivity in Mouth:
If you feel pain and sensitivity while chewing on one side of your mouth, that side is probably affected by cavities.
Who is More Likely to Get Gum Line Cavity?
Adults & Older Adults
Cavity below and above the gum is generally diagnosed in adults rather than kids. It is even more common in older people who are more than 50 years of age. The reason being the wear and tear of gums and teeth over time. Read about Dental Care Tips for People at Different Stages of Life to know more.
Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
It is common knowledge that brushing and flossing get rid of the cavity-forming bacteria from your mouth. So if you are lazy in performing a daily dental hygiene routine, you know what can happen next!
Dry Mouth
Saliva is vital for protecting your teeth and gums against bacteria and cavities. When you don’t produce enough saliva, you suffer from a dry mouth and eventually cavities by the gum line.
How to Treat Cavities at Gum Line?
Many people doubt that can a cavity at the gum line be fixed permanently. Yes, it can be very well fixed at any age. It depends upon the location of the cavities. The cavity below the gum line needs more large-scale treatment like a root canal. Whereas, cavity above the gum line can be treated with surface treatments like tooth filling.
How to Prevent a Tooth Decay at Gum Line?
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Brushing Teeth
A simple activity like brushing your teeth twice a day can save you from so many dental issues. Brush your gum line along with your teeth in back and forth motion to make your mouth clean and bacteria-free.
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Daily Flossing
Sometimes, a toothbrush doesn’t reach the extreme corners of your teeth. Flossing can reach those narrow spaces between your teeth and clean the food particles from there as well.
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Professional Teeth Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings goes an extra mile than your regular brushing and flossing. Take advice from your dentist on how often you should get a dental cleaning and dental check-up. Follow that schedule diligently.
How to Stop Gum Line Tooth Pain?
Cavity by gum line needs to be treated at the earliest. In the meanwhile, you can follow these proven tips to stop the pain:
- Avoid acidic foods like meat, nuts, and carbonated drinks.
- Avoid sweet and sugary foods like candies, chocolates, and ice-creams.
- Try to avoid icy and hot beverages. Drink everything at room temperature.
Final Thoughts!
Dental hygiene, good eating habits, and regular dental check-ups can significantly reduce your chances of getting a gum line cavity. We at Coral Dental Care provide dental check-ups and treatment for cavities and other dental issues at our state-of-the-art clinics. Schedule an appointment now!
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health,recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.