When you go to the dentist and find out you have a cavity, did you know that there are actually different types of cavities the dentist is looking for?
Each type of cavity has a different specialized treatment that will help restore the health of the tooth and help ease any pain you might be experiencing. Gum line cavities are one of the cavity variances that can occur in patents of all ages, and which result from a number of contributing outside factors.
Traditionally, cavities in this area are accompanied by significant pain, and if left untreated can cause serious damage to your gum line—including gum line recession. We’ve outlined common risk factors and symptoms to be aware of if you think you are at a high risk or are currently experiencing a gum line cavity. Visit the Josey Lane office at the first sign to ensure you have a lifetime of healthy gums!
What are the risk factors?
Gum line cavities can be caused by a number of factors, including sugary foods, excessive consumption of acidic foods, dry mouth, and long-term vomiting. As you may have noticed, acid is a common component of these risk factors. Acid can eat away at the enamel on your teeth, which allows for bad bacteria to settle in the grooves and along the gum line. Poor brushing is also commonly associated with gum line cavities. If you don’t have an oral health routine that includes targeted and deliberate brushing of your teeth (especially those hard-to-reach back molars) followed by flossing at least once a day, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable for gum line cavities. And once plaque and bacteria invade the tooth, you are likely to develop gum line recession. At this time, your teeth are at their most vulnerable point.
What is gum line recession?
Gum line recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the tooth recesses and, in extreme cases, exposes the root of the tooth. At the top of a healthy tooth, the enamel is very thick and slowly thins out around the sides. When the gum recesses, the top of the tooth that has no enamel is exposed. This makes it very susceptible to bad bacteria and plaque, and increases the likelihood of the development of a cavity. In addition, if the gum becomes infected, the bacteria can cause the infection to quickly and make its way to the tooth, which will result in a cavity.
Can gum line recession and gum line cavities be treated?
The goal of any treatment is to restore the tooth and achieve healthier gums. The severity of the damage to both the tooth and the gum line will determine the treatment plan your dentist chooses to implement. Some dentists may choose to drill out the decay in the tooth where the gum line has receded and fill in the diseased area with a filling. While this treatment has been proven successful, those that continue to develop gum line cavities may experience nerve damage due to perpetual drilling.
Other cases require going to the root of the problem and restoring the gum line to ensure that these cavities don’t develop in the future.
If you’re concerned you might have developed a gum line cavity, it’s important to call us here at Josey Lane Dentistry right away. In addition to quickly mitigating the pain you are probably experiencing, it’s important to see us now to use your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year! Gum line cavities are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious damage to your teeth and gum line.
Call our office today to ensure your teeth and gums are protected!
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