Dental cavities are one of those things that no one wants to hear come from your dentist’s mouth. Around 90% of adults have experienced at least one cavity in their lives. Although annoying, they are one of the many dental issues we must bear.
Gumline cavities are a common type of decay that occurs at the base of the tooth, near the gumline. Left untreated, they can lead to more severe complications, including tooth loss.
This makes it super important that you know what they are, and how you can prevent them from materializing.
Today, we’ll go through:
- What causes gumline cavities
- Some common signs of gumline cavities
- How you can treat and prevent gumline cavities
Let’s get into it!
What is Gumline Cavity?
A gumline cavity is exactly what it sounds like, a form of cavity that’s located near or beneath your gumline. Your gumline is the part where your tooth meets your gums, and as you get older, your gums can recede slightly, exposing your roots to decay.
Some people are more prone to developing gumline cavities than others. Your age and diet also play a big factor in your risk of developing one.
Unfortunately, compared to cavities that appear on the surface of your teeth, a gumline cavity has the potential to cause more complications.
If the cavity has spread below the gumline, this puts you at risk of damaging the root of your teeth. This typically requires more extensive treatment than a simple cavity on the surface of your teeth.
What Causes Gumline Cavities?
There are many different reasons as to why gumline cavities form. These range from the presence of plaque and bacteria in your mouth to more serious conditions such as gum recession and dry mouth.
Plaque and Bacteria
We all know and love plaque as that pesky material that sticks to the sides of your teeth. But while being annoying, a buildup of plaque can also cause many issues, including gumline cavities.
Plaque is made up of microbes that grow on your teeth, feasting away at your teeth and becoming the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
It typically builds up when you don’t brush your teeth frequently or correctly. When left untreated, plaque can form tartar, a yellowish material that can damage your teeth and gums.
The real danger when you let plaque build up is that it can erode your enamel. This damages your tooth and increases the chance of cavities forming.
Gum Recession
As we get older, our gums tend to fall back. This exposes the softer root surface of our teeth, which is especially susceptible to cavities and decay.
Gum recession is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, and plaque. Fortunately, it can be easily treated and prevented by taking good care of your oral health. Catching gum recession early is important for preventing gumline cavities from forming.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when the glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva. You might be aware of the important role saliva plays in neutralizing acids in your mouth. This is because of its makeup of anti-bacterial proteins.
Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria that would otherwise form harmful plaque on the surface of your teeth. So when your mouth doesn’t produce enough of it, you run the risk of increasing the bacterial activity in your mouth. This therefore increases the risk of cavities forming.
Sugary Diet
Your diet also plays a big factor in your overall oral health. Many studies have shown that there is a significant relationship between the amount of sugar you consume and the prevalence of cavities forming.
The harmful bacteria that form in your mouth feed on sugar, which in turn increases acid production in your mouth. The more sugar in your diet, the more bacteria you’re feeding. Unfortunately, this puts you more at risk of cavities forming.
Age
According to data, more than 90% of adults have at least one cavity, showing how common cavities are in adults.
Additionally, it shows that the risk of cavities increases with age.
Studies have shown that dental caries are much more prevalent in the elderly population. Gum recession, which tends to occur more often as people age, is largely responsible for cavities along the gum line.
Compromised Dental Habits
You face the risk of keeping food and drink residue on your teeth if you don't brush and floss regularly. The bacteria in your mouth will then feed on this leftover material and produce plaque.
Cavities may result from the accumulation of plaque on your teeth, which erodes the enamel. Additionally, tartar, which is difficult to remove and can endanger the health of your teeth, can form from plaque that has built up along your gum line.
By removing that plaque, you may reduce the accumulation of tartar and the risk of developing gumline cavities.
Signs & Symptoms of a Gumline Cavity
There are several common signs of a gumline cavity you can watch out for. You might notice that symptoms of a gumline cavity share a lot of similarities with symptoms for normal cavities, but there are a couple of distinct differences, especially in the aesthetic look of your teeth and gums.
Tooth Sensitivity
Noticing an increase in your teeth’s sensitivity is a common symptom of a gumline cavity. You might see an increased sensitivity to hot, cold, spicy, or sweet foods.
Try swishing a mouthful of ice-cold water around in your mouth - a stinging sensation indicates an increase in tooth sensitivity.
Pain
Another common symptom of a gumline cavity is a dull ache or sharp pain in your teeth. This might be especially noticeable when biting down on things.
Visible discoloration
It’s also important to examine the way your teeth look if you think you have a gumline cavity. You might notice dark spots forming along the bottom of your teeth.
Another visual sign is having small pits and holes in your teeth. Make sure you talk to your dentist immediately if these are worrying you.
Bleeding Gums
Another sign of a gumline cavity is bleeding gums. It’s best to talk to your dentist as soon as you notice this, as it can also indicate more serious gum diseases. You also might have swollen and sensitive gums. Not only is this painful but also a sign of a deeper issue with your teeth.
Treatment Options
While gumline cavities might sound scary on paper, there are thankfully many common treatment options you can explore.
However, something to keep in mind is that the severity and location of the cavity have an impact on the type of treatment your dentist will prescribe.
Dental Fillings
One option for treating a gumline cavity is to obtain a dental filling. Cleaning and filling the gap left by the cavity is a standard solution to most cavities and is a common dental procedure.
The treatment involves a hole being drilled through the enamel of your teeth to reach the decayed part of your tooth. The decay then gets removed and refilled with a composite material, which is typically resin. This restores your tooth to its healthy appearance.
Dental fillings are a viable option if the cavity is still close to the gumline. However, if the decay has dug too deeply into the root of your tooth, a more intensive treatment will need to be given.
Root Canals
If the cavity has reached too deeply below the gumline to the pulp of the tooth, a simple filling won’t be enough to treat it. This is where root canals come in. You might think of root canals as a more intensive version of a filling, although they do slightly different things.
A root canal involves your dentist drilling into your tooth to clean out the decayed pulp inside the root. They then sterilize the inside and refill the space left behind. You might also need a crown placed on top of the repaired tooth to help keep it protected.
Tooth Extraction
However, if the cavity has reached the point of no return, your dentist will suggest removing the tooth entirely. A tooth extraction is typically a last resort procedure, and while scary, can help improve your overall oral health.
If the cavity has spread too deeply into your tooth, an extraction is necessary to protect the health of your other teeth.
During a tooth extraction, your dentist will loosen your tooth and remove it from its socket. This is a fairly standard procedure, and you will be under sedation for most of it.
Prevention is Key
Ultimately, the best way to deal with gumline cavities is to prevent them from occurring entirely. While some factors such as your age, genetics, and overall health might put you more at risk, there are still some things you can do to lower the risk of one form.
Perfect your Brushing and Flossing
Looking after your teeth correctly is the best way to prevent gumline cavities from forming. It’s important to establish a meticulous routine to help remove plaque and prevent buildup in your mouth, particularly along the gumline.
Remember to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Check out our toothbrush collection to help you find a toothbrush that suits your needs. We have electric and manual options, and all of our toothbrushes feature activated charcoal bristles, which ensure you get a good clean.
Flossing is also key to keeping your mouth healthy and clean. It can help minimize the buildup of plaque, which is one common cause of cavities. Ensure you floss along your gumline as well as between your teeth.
You can either use traditional thread floss, or you might like to try an electric flosser. Boka’s power flosser uses pressurized water to help clean your gums and in between your teeth. It can be a great option if you find manually flossing a tedious process.
Manage dry mouth
With dry mouth being a significant cause of gumline cavities, it’s important to help treat it if it appears. Dry mouth is typically only a temporary condition, caused by a variety of reasons such as dehydration, stress, genetics, smoking, or underlying health conditions.
In extended cases of dry mouth, your dentist might prescribe over-the-counter treatments to help.
Thankfully, there are a few different ways you can manage your dry mouth to prevent it from becoming a problem. Sip on water frequently throughout the day to rehydrate.
You might also like to use a humidifier to increase moisture levels in your home, or even chew on sugarless gum to promote saliva production. Limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake is also a good idea to stop your mouth from drying out.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Another easy way you can prevent gumline cavities is by watching what you eat. As sugar is a common food for bacteria, limiting the amount of sugary foods you consume is a simple way you can prevent cavities from forming.
Of course, we can’t entirely cut sugar from our diets. When you indulge, remember to rinse with water to prevent food buildup in your mouth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
When it comes to your teeth, your dentist knows best. Scheduling regular appointments is a good way of catching dental cavities early on, as well as being important for maintaining your overall oral hygiene.
A good rule of thumb is to go for a checkup once or twice a year, and more frequently if you encounter problems such as sudden tooth pain, or increased sensitivity.
Dental Expert Dr Anjum Chaudhary, BDS, MDS, Says, “Dry mouth, aging, and poor dental hygiene practices can all lead to gumline cavities. These cavities can be caused by poor oral hygiene, which includes not brushing and flossing enough, eating sugary foods and beverages, and skipping checkups at the dentist. in order for you to practice more careful dental hygiene, clean your teeth after eating, and use floss when necessary. It is advised to use pastes designed to remove plaque.”
Conclusion
At the end of the day, maintaining good oral hygiene habits is key to minimizing the risk of gumline cavities.
Catching the cavity early is important to ensure you get the best outcome for your teeth. Be aware of the signs and what you can do to prevent one from occurring.
You might like to check out Boka’s collection of oral care products to include in your daily routine. Our selection of products fits in with the rest of your oral care routine to keep your smile healthy and bright. Happy cleaning!