No one likes to think about the potential consequences of oral health and gum disease, but it is a genuine concern for every person. Gum diseases are caused by bacteria responsible for cavities and tooth decay. Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease yet, but there are many ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Our West Hollywood dentist is here to help you on gumline cavity and its treatment.

Discussion of a Gumline Cavity

Tooth decay can occur in any tooth but typically only in the back teeth. The bacteria that cause tooth decay live in the mouth because of the food people eat and the natural flora. But, once these harmful bacteria enter the tooth’s enamel and start to feed, they can cause a gumline cavity. Although not all cavities in a gum line are caused by gum disease, it is widespread for them to be associated with it.

A gumline cavity happens when the bacteria that cause tooth decay are left to dwell in one place for too long. They secrete acid that can eventually erode a tooth’s enamel as they feed. Once this happens, there is no way to reverse it, and the bacteria will start to eat away at the softer layers inside the tooth. Of course, many people experience toothaches before even noticing an actual cavity forming on their teeth. But, if left untreated for too long, it can lead to the infection of a tooth.

Unfortunately, once a tooth has been infected, it will begin to die. The cavity grows in depth and width until the entire tooth is dead and has to be removed. It makes it more susceptible to cavities in the future and can lead to other serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Causes of Gumline Cavity

Many people worry that they have a toothache because they have a cavity. But, this is rarely the case. The most common form of gum disease is gingivitis, which involves too much plaque and bacteria left in the gum line for too long before being removed. It can lead to inflammation on and around your teeth and your gums. But it does not cause pain or damage to any teeth, only tenderness and frequent bleeding due to poor oral hygiene.

Gum disease can also be caused by other factors such as age, diet, genetic predisposition, and tooth wear.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

There are many symptoms of gum disease that are usually associated with the onset of a gumline cavity. Unfortunately, most do not have any pain or actual tooth damage. However, some symptoms can be localized to a specific tooth by the presence of inflammation around it. These include:

• General discomfort and sensitivity to heat, cold, or touch in the mouth.
• Tenderness, bleeding and gum swelling around teeth.
• Receding gums offer an open space for infection to develop on the teeth.
• An early symptom of gum disease is white patches in the mouth, which will eventually turn to an unhealthy red color if left untreated.

There are also many more symptoms of a gumline cavity, but most people do not experience any of them. It is essential to have your dentist check for signs of gum disease and cavities every six months. They can be easily detected under a microscope and handled by your dentist before it worsens into something serious.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Usually, a gumline cavity does not require treatment. As long as it is detected early, there are many preventive measures your dentist can take to stop it from progressing. If a tooth is beyond repair, they will most likely recommend complete dental replacement in the form of implants.

In addition to cleaning and daily care, many people mask the symptoms of gum disease by using various mouthwashes. Mouthwashes are usually safe for short-term use, but it is essential to research them thoroughly before performing any extensive dental checkup. They can hurt your oral health and the sensitivity of your gums.

Even with proper procedures being taken by your dentist, it would be wise to assume that you will eventually develop gum disease. It is so important to be regularly checked for any signs of it. With constant care and proper hygiene, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing a gumline cavity.

Prevention of Gum Disease

You can use several methods to prevent the onset of gum disease and cavities in the first place. The most common method is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Your dentist will also be able to recommend the best type of toothbrush for you, although any are usually effective if used correctly.

Many other things help prevent gum disease, including:
1. Ensure you eat a healthy diet emphasizing fresh vegetables and fruits. Limit your intake of sugars, processed foods, and soda. They can all contribute to tooth decay over time.

2. Keep a bottle of mouthwash nearby to rinse out your mouth after eating or drinking. It will help prevent bacteria from accumulating in the mouth and causing infection.

3. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can cause gum disease and accelerated decay of your teeth. Additionally, these habits can reduce the effectiveness of oral hygiene methods by reducing saliva flow and lessening blood flow to the teeth.

4. Wrap a dental dam in gauze or clean cotton cloth to soak up bacteria between your teeth when you have your dental checkup. It will prevent bacteria from entering the teeth during the cleaning process, which will prevent infection from forming in any teeth.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our West Hollywood dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. If left untreated, a gumline cavity could lead to more severe conditions such as oral cancer and heart disease.