cavity below gum line symptoms

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Can a gum line cavity cause pain?

When a gum line cavity starts to develop, it can cause pain in varying degrees. A gum line cavity can also appear at an unsightly dark spot toward the root of your tooth. What is a Gum Line Cavity?

What causes cavities below the gum line?

These bacteria can invade teeth below the gum line and cause cavities. Receding gums: Due to genetic factors, age and plaque, you could see your gums recede, exposing the more vulnerable tooth root areas. The exposed areas are softer, and bacteria can easily attack, causing cavities below the gum line.

How can I lessen the pain of a gum line cavity?

However, you can lessen the pain of a gum line cavity. First, call our office to make an appointment to ensure the pain does not worsen due to continued damage to your tooth’s dentin. While you wait to be seen by our staff, lessen the pain of a gum line cavity by doing the following:

How do you know if you have a root cavity?

Since a root cavity, by definition, develops on the root of a tooth, you probably won’t be able to see it by peering into a mirror and looking into your open mouth. But you might notice some warning signs, like some pain in your tooth, or perhaps some sensitivity, particularly to cold or heat.

Can a cavity below the gum line be fixed?

You're more likely to experience gumline cavities as you get older and your gums recede. Gumline cavities are usually the result of plaque and tartar buildup. They're treated just like other cavities, often with fillings. However, those extending below the gumline may require minor gum surgery to reach the cavity.

Can a cavity at the gumline be filled?

Filling the tooth is the standard treatment for cavities. After numbing the area, the dentist uses a drill or laser to remove the decayed material. Then, the cavity is filled with a material like dental amalgam or composite resin. Cavities along the gumline are treated in the same way, but with some small differences.

How do you know if you have a cavity in your gums?

One of the most common signs that you may have a cavity is lingering sensitivity when you eat or drink hot or cold food or beverages. Your teeth have a layer of tissue called dentin that lies below the enamel. As the enamel of your teeth wears down, it exposes the dentin.

Can teeth rot under gums?

When you have a cavity or tooth decay that extends below the gums (subgingival) it may be difficult to treat. Most dental restorative materials require a dentist to keep the area dry during the restoration. This can be difficult when decay is below the gums!

Do gum line fillings hurt?

Here's the typical procedure you can expect for a filling: Your dentist will dry the area, then they'll administer a numbing gel. Once your gum is numb, they'll inject a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine. If your dentist is experienced, this shouldn't hurt.

How do you know you need a root canal?

Persistent tooth pain is one of the signs that you may need a root canal. The pain in your tooth might bother you all the time, or it might go away from time to time but always return. You may feel the pain deep in the bone of your tooth. Or you may feel referred pain in your face, jaw, or in your other teeth.

What does a deep cavity feel like?

If the damage gets down through the enamel, deeper into the inner layer or dentin, you're more likely to: Feel a toothache or feel pain when eating, drinking or biting down. Feel sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drinks. Develop a bad taste in your mouth, or bad breath.

How long can a cavity go untreated?

On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily. Conclusion: a cavity can start to form, then not have the right conditions to develop.

Can a cavity heal itself?

Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.

Do I have a root cavity?

Symptoms of tooth root cavity But you might notice some warning signs, like some pain in your tooth, or perhaps some sensitivity, particularly to cold or heat. Also, if you notice that your gums are receding, it's important to see a dentist, as gum recession is often the first step on the way to root cavities.

When is a tooth too decayed to save?

If the process of tooth decay is allowed to continue, enamel will break down further. You may notice that a white spot on a tooth darkens to a brownish color. As enamel is weakened, small holes in your teeth called cavities, or dental caries, can form. Cavities will need to be filled by your dentist.

What is a gum line filling?

The gum line (cervical area) is a common location for fillings to be needed. They can be needed due to decay, toothbrush abrasion, erosion, or abfraction. Cavities along the gum line are totally preventable with good oral hygiene on a daily basis.

How long do gum line fillings last?

Glass Ionomer Fillings These are most commonly used for filling tiny cavities at the gum line or for baby teeth. Glass ionomer fillings typically last for 30-42 months or up to 5 years.

Why am I getting cavities at the gum line?

Just like other cavities, gum cavities form when bacteria and plaque build up in the mouth. The acid from this bacteria breaks down the tooth enamel and creates a hole. Just like how the pits and fissures of the molars are hot spots for food, bacteria, and plaque to get stuck so are the areas right along the gumline.

How do they fix tooth erosion at the gum line?

If the wear was caused by misaligned teeth, it can be treated through small adjustments or orthodontics. If nighttime grinding is the cause, wearing a specially-designed mouthguard can solve the problem. It is important to note that a proper guard is more than just an old invisalign tray or soft sports guard.

How much do gum line fillings cost?

Composite resin fillings, also called clear or tooth colored: $90 to $250 for one or two tooth surfaces and $150 to $450 for three more surfaces. Cast-gold fillings, also called inlays and onlays, porcelain, or indirect: $250 to $4,500 depending on the number, location, and complexity of the cavities.

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 th...

What Causes a Gum Line Cavity?

Bacteria, dental plaque, and tartar are the most common reason for the gum line cavity.

What are the Gum Line Cavity Symptoms?

ToothacheTooth SensitivityPain After Eating SweetsSpots on TeethSmall Holes in TeethOne Side Sensitivity in Mouth

How to Treat Gum Line 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 tr...

How to Prevent a Cavity Near the Gum Line?

Brushing TeethDaily FlossingProfessional Teeth Cleanings

How to Stop Gum Line Tooth Pain?

Avoid acidic foods like meat, nuts, and carbonated drinksAvoid sweet and sugary foods like candies, chocolates, and ice-creamsAvoid icy and hot bev...

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.

Who is More Likely to Get Gum Line Cavity?

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.

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?

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.

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:

How to tell if you have a cavity?

Symptoms and signs of a gum line cavity include: 1 Discoloration or dark spots near the teeth around your gum line 2 Notches on teeth along the gum line 3 Sensitivity to cold and/or hot beverages 4 General toothache 5 Pain when chewing or sensitivity on one side of your mouth while chewing

What does it mean when your gum line is dark?

When a gum line cavity starts to develop, it can cause pain in varying degrees. A gum line cavity can also appear at an unsightly dark spot toward the root of your tooth.

What is the color of tartar on teeth?

Bacteria can be acidic and corrosive to the enamel on your teeth. Tartar is a buildup of plaque. Up close, it’s yellow or pale brown and not easily removed without the help of a dental health professional. Tartar is also referred to as dental calculus. When the acidic tartar sits at the gum line, it can create a cavity or tooth decay at the gums.

What does it mean when you have a toothache?

General toothache. Pain when chewing or sensitivity on one side of your mouth while chewing. If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to contact your dentist to make sure the issue does not worsen. Cavities along the gum line can lead to root damage, requiring root canal surgery or other dental procedures.

Can gumline pain be treated with home remedies?

Stop Gum Line Tooth Pain. People have asked us if they can treat their cavity with home remedies. While there are some home remedies for pre -cavity stages, you cannot treat a cavity with home remedies. A dentist needs to treat your tooth once the dentin of your tooth is penetrated so that no further decay occurs.

Can you get a cavity at 50?

Many people over age 50 are susceptible to gum line cavities due to receding gums. When our gums recede, they expose our teeth to decay. A gum line cavity can happen at any age, however. Anytime plaque and tartar can thrive at the bottom of a tooth, there’s a chance for a gum line cavity to occur.

Can tooth decay cause gum recession?

Tooth decay or root decay near the gum line is associated with gum recession. As we age, our gums recede. Proper brushing and regular dental health care can slow down gum recession, but it won’t keep it from happening.

How to prevent cavities in the gumline?

The best way to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Remember to brush along your gumline with a proper brushing technique that involves placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline and using a back-and-forth motion to brush along each tooth. Once the gumline area is clean, move on to the rest of the tooth surfaces for complete cleaning.

Why do gumline cavities form?

Causes of Gumline Cavities. A dental cavity forms when plaque, a sticky bacterial film that builds up inside the mouth, solidifies and creates an area of decay. This bacteria combines with sugar to produce acids that dissolve the tooth's enamel, the hard surface that works as a protective layer against tooth decay.

How to floss under gumline?

To floss beneath your gumline, curve the floss around each of your teeth' base and make sure to be gentle to avoid cutting or bruising the gum tissue. Water flossing is an excellent alternative to flossing, while mouthwash should also be added to your daily oral health routine to rinse out bacteria.

Why is gum tissue weaker than tooth enamel?

Gum tissue usually protects the roots, but the roots will be vulnerable if the gum tissue recedes. That's because roots are covered in a material called cementum, which is much weaker than tooth enamel.

What is the most common treatment for cavities?

As outlined by Mayo Clinic, there are several standard treatments for cavities, the most common, a filling. To create a filling, a dental professional numbs the surrounding area of the problematic tooth, drills, or lasers to remove the decayed material, and then fills in the hole with a protective material like composite resin or dental amalgam.

Can a dentist treat tooth decay at the gumline?

Tooth decay at gumline treatment is similar to other cavity treatments, but with some small differences. If the cavity extends beneath the gumline, it can be challenging for the dental professional to access it with their drill or laser. In these situations, your dentist may perform minor gum surgery to access the cavity.

What is a gum line cavity?

A gum line cavity is a type of cavity that affects the area between teeth and gums. The term “gum line cavity” actually refers to two different types of cavities: smooth surface cavities or root cavities. When gum line cavities affect the smooth surface of the tooth’s crown, then they are classified as smooth surface cavities.

What causes gum line cavities?

Gum Line cavities are caused by the same factors that contribute to other types of cavities: bacteria, sugar, and excess plaque. When the bacteria in your mouth consume sugars from the meals you eat, they produce acid that attacks your teeth. Over time, this can damage the enamel and spread to the dentin and even down to the pulp of your tooth.

How are Gum line Cavities Treated?

Gum line cavities are treated in much the same way as other types of dental cavities: with restorative procedures. However, there are different options depending on the location of the cavity. Composite fillings are the most common treatment option for all small to medium smooth surface cavities.

In Conclusion

Gum line cavities are a form of oral cavity that is located near or beneath the gum line. They’re more prevalent than many people realize, and if they aren’t treated quickly, they can be harmful. In this blog, we have discussed how these types of cavities develop, what causes them, and what you should do if one appears in your mouth.

What Causes Cavities at The Gum Line?

A tooth has 4 elements, enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum. Enamel composed of minerals. Dentin a layer hidden within the enamel. And, the pulp contains veins and nerves.

Some Bacteria Is Good For You

These bacteria generate acids, e.g. lactic acid reacting with sugpreventshe human tooth is coated with a protective label and it can’t tolerate the acids produced due to sugar.

Certain things are responsible for causing gum line cavities

Unhygienic oral care: Poor oral cleanliness is a big reason. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth every day it can create great harm not only to your teeth but also to your overall health.

Who Gets Cavities at The Gum Line?

According to the National Institution of Health people of 30 to 40 are infected with gum line cavities where men have a greater chance of getting infected. But teenagers can also develop symptoms in rare cases. They can develop the milder form of this disease known as gingivitis. Grown-up people are more likely to have gum diseases.

Can Cavities at The Gum Line Fixed?

The bacteria that cause gum line cavities is not completely eradicated just by brushing and flossing. For this, you need professional care that will provide you extra antimicrobial safeguards. The proper treatment of retreating gums and root caries relies upon the degree and seriousness of the gum line cavity.

Can You Reverse Gum Line Cavities?

Yes, you can. Fillings are not the only way to treat cavities. Your lifestyle, eating habits can reverse gum line cavities. Things that you need to are,

Does Gum Line Filling Hurt?

Cavity filling may make your situation worse. And if your cavity reaches inside the pulp, it can be more painful. It is better to do the treatment as soon as possible because a severe cavity can cause more inflammation and more pain. During the cavity filling procedure, doctors use an anesthetic to numb your infected area.

What is the best treatment for gumline cavities?

Filling up the hole in your gums is the treatment of choice for gumline cavities that have progressed beyond the initial stages. There are different types of fillings used including porcelain, amalgam and composite resin fillings.

Where do cavities form?

The cavities commonly form in the pits of your premolars and molars.

Can crowns be used for gumline cavities?

Teeth that have been extensively weakened by severe gumline cavities can be treated with dental crowns. The crowns are customized to fit on your teeth and cover the hole along your gums.

How to tell if you have a cavity on your tooth?

Since a root cavity, by definition, develops on the root of a tooth, you probably won’t be able to see it by peering into a mirror and looking into your open mouth. But you might notice some warning signs, like some pain in your tooth, or perhaps some sensitivity, particularly to cold or heat.

What is the term for the holes in the enamel of a tooth?

Summary. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage the enamel on the surface of your teeth. Dentists call the damage “caries,” but most people refer to the holes that result in damaged teeth as “cavities.”. Decay can occur on any surface of the tooth: the biting surface, the smooth flat sides of the tooth, and the root.

Why do my back teeth get decayed?

In general, tooth decay tends to occur more often in your back teeth since it’s harder to keep them clean. Research also shows that root cavities tend to develop twice as fast as cavities on other surfaces of the teeth, which involve damage to the enamel. That makes early intervention imperative to stop the damage.

Why do older people have loose teeth?

Older people are also more likely to have other chronic health conditions, like diabetes and metabolic syndrome, that can raise their chances of developing inflammation in their gums that leads to periodontal disease.

Why is it important to see a dentist for root cavities?

Also, if you notice that your gums are receding, it’s important to see a dentist, as gum recession is often the first step on the way to root cavities. Without the coverage of the gums, the roots can be more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

What is decay on a tooth?

Decay can occur on any surface of the tooth: the biting surface, the smooth flat sides of the tooth, and the root. Root cavities by definition are the cavities that affect the root. Three different types of cavities are illustrated here.

Can you have a crown after a root canal?

However, if the damage is pretty deep, the dentist may recommend a root canal. If you do undergo a root canal, they may also cover the tooth with a crown afterward. Crowns are often used to cover significant damage to teeth and can strengthen the remaining tooth.