Dental cavities, also known as dental caries, are caused by the decay of the teeth or exposed teeth roots. The teeth are protected by a hard outer covering called enamel, which is one of the hardest and most mineralized substances in the human body. Enamel protects the soft inner layer of the teeth, called dentin, where the delicate parts of the teeth are housed. The gum line cavity, where the tooth meets the gums, is particularly vulnerable to cavities. Dental amalgam, a common filling material, is often used to treat cavities.
The roots are covered by thin layer of cementum, this soft layer unlike the enamel isn’t strong enough to offer protection against decay-causing bacteria and erosive acids. Once the teeth roots are exposed, teeth sensitivity, tooth decay and cavities are more likely to occur. Although the teeth roots may get additional protection from gum tissue that covers them, but this is not always the case in most people.
People that suffer from receding gums, especially the adults have some parts of the root surfaces exposed. If you don’t actually understand what gums recession is all about, you can read my previous post about gums recession. This is a medical condition that explains the pulling away of the gums from the teeth. It can be caused by aggressive tooth brushing, aging, related bone loss or misaligned poor dentition. Well, am not here today to talk about gums recession, but am here to reveal to you those things that causes cavities at gum line.
Who can get cavities?
Cavities, also known as gumline cavities, are a common dental problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, adults are more susceptible to developing cavities due to enamel loss. As we age, the gums may recede from the teeth, exposing the roots to harmful bacteria and plaque buildup. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, lack of fluoride, and unclean fillings can contribute to tooth decay and the formation of cavities. Regular dental appointments with a dentist can help prevent and treat cavities.
One more important thing that you should know is that – there are different types of cavities, including gum line cavities and root cavities. If you suspect that you have cavities, ask your dentist to tell you the type of cavities that you have, such as gumline cavities or root cavities. Each of these cavities has different specialized treatment, such as root canal therapy, that will help restore the health of the tooth and also ease the pain that you might be experiencing.
Gumline cavities, also known as tooth cavities, are a common dental issue that affects people of all ages. These cavities, which occur at the gum line, can be quite dangerous. In this post, I will discuss gumline cavities and their treatment options, including fillings and root canal therapy.
When gum line cavities, also known as tooth decay, are left untreated, it can result in serious dental problems. It can cause serious damage to your gumline and lead to more rapid demineralization or gum disease. Additionally, untreated cavities can also lead to abscessed teeth and damage to the tooth roots.
One of the popular ways of treating tooth decay is by removing the decay with a dental drill and replacing it after with fillings. In the case of gum line cavities, root decay can progress way below the gum line. Removing the decay might not be that easy, gum surgery is mostly carried out in order to gain access to the decayed area.
Cavities at gum line causes
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Periodontitis : this is a health problem that causes the loss of the supporting bone and tissue around a tooth through an inflammatory reaction. Due to the loss of connective fibers and bone around the tooth roots, spaces are created between the tooth and the gums. Harmful bacteria can easily accumulate along the gum lines leading to cavities or tooth loss eventually.
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Plaque formation : plaque buildups overtime and adheres along the gum lines of the teeth when you eat sticky sugary foods. Plaque tend to attract lots of bacteria that feed on the foods it contains. The activities of these bacteria leads to the formation of acids that can eventually wear down the protective layers of the teeth. Without proper treatments acids from plaque creates holes on the teeth, causing cavities.
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Dry mouth : this is when your salivary glands produces little saliva. Women on menopause and older adults tend to suffer from persistent dry mouth. Naturally the saliva plays an important role in preventing plaque buildups. When your body doesn’t provide enough saliva to the mouth, you will be at risk of developing cavities.
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Taking lots of sugary foods : just like I have said earlier, sugary foods promotes plaque and bacteria buildups. Even if you must take sugary foods or drinks, ensure to brush your teeth after. Sugar when left in the mouth attracts bacteria which breaks it down, giving off acids that damages the teeth. Furthermore, foods that cling to your teeth can increase your risk of developing cavities at gum line. Milk, chocolate, dried fruit, candy, caramel, raisins and cookies are few examples of this type of foods. You should brush or rinse your mouth after taking any of them.
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Poor oral hygiene : this is the most common cause of cavities, when you don’t brush or floss daily. Brushing the right way helps to eliminate plaque, preventing their buildups and acids production. In addition, regular flossing can help to remove foods particles and hard plaque from the teeth, it’s very effective for preventing dental cavities.
Can cavities at gum line be treated?
Of course, this type of cavity can be treated just like any other type. The primary goal for treatment is to restore the health of the affected tooth and gums. Depending on how severe the cavities are, your dentist can help determine the best treatment for you.
Most dentists will drill out the decay on the affected tooth to treat gumline cavities and fill out the area with fillings. There are treatment plans that your dentist can implement in order to restore your damaged gum lines and prevent cavities from forming, including root cavities.
Finally, there are lots of treatments plans available, you have lots of options that you can choose from. Cavities at gum line is a serious dental problem, it can deny you the pleasure of eating or even speaking. It’s not something that you should ignore. Speak out and let your dentist know what you’re experiencing. Although if you have been maintaining regular oral examinations, teeth cavities can be easily detected at the early stage.