Cavities, also known as cavities, are a sign of tooth decay. As tooth decay progresses, small holes begin to form in the teeth. If left untreated, they can grow larger and cause more problems.
You can create a cavity in any part of your tooth. The three main types of cavities are:
Some people, including older adults, may be more prone to developing cavities along their gum line (also spelled “gum line” in some cases). These are often considered smooth surface cavities as they do not sink below the gum line.
Learn more about cavities around the gum line.
Location matters when it comes to cavities and recommended treatment.
A cavity that is near, but above, the gum line is a smooth surface cavity. These are cavities that form on the smooth sides of your teeth, often between your teeth.
A cavity that forms just below the gum line is a root cavity. A root cavity cannot be treated by brushing your teeth more often or even with a regular dental filling. It may require a more extensive intervention to keep the cavity from getting bigger.
The biggest culprit is dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer that forms on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in the food or drink you recently consumed.
These bacteria break down these sugars into acid, which can wear away the hard layer of enamel on your teeth. If not removed, plaque can also harden into a yellowish layer called tartar along your teeth and gums.
This is partly because your gums tend to recede as you age, which exposes your roots. Since your roots are covered with cementum, which is softer than the hard enamel that covers the rest of your teeth, they are more vulnerable to plaque and tooth decay.
Because cavities start small, you may not even realize you have them at first. However, there are some signs to look out for:
- Pain in your tooth. A toothache is one of the most common signs of developing a cavity.
- Temperature sensitivity. Your teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold.
- Sensitivity to sweets. If your tooth hurts a little after eating something sweet, it may be the result of damage to the enamel and cementum.
- Stains on the surface of your tooth. These may look like white spots early on, but they may darken.
- Pits or holes. If you notice a small hole in your tooth, be sure to have your dentist investigate it.
The following factors can contribute to the risk of gum cavities:
Age
Overall, the evidence shows that cavities are incredibly common among adults, with
Research has shown that root cavities tend to occur much more frequently in older adults. In part, this is due to gum recession, which tends to happen more often as people age.
In fact,
Bad oral hygiene habits
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth diligently, you can leave food and drink residue behind, and the bacteria in your mouth will feed on that residue, which creates plaque.
This plaque can build up and erode the enamel on your teeth, which can cause tooth decay. Plaque also tends to build up along your gum line and can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove and can threaten the health of your teeth.
Removing this plaque will reduce tartar build-up and the chance of developing gum cavities.
Dry mouth
Also known as dry mouth, dry mouth occurs when you don’t produce enough saliva. Saliva provides protection against tooth decay and gum disease, so a lack of saliva could increase the risk of tooth decay.
When a cavity develops on the chewing surface of your teeth, a filling often treats the problem. But a gum cavity is a bit more complicated.
If the decay has gone below the gum line and reached the root of the tooth, you may need more extensive treatment.
When decay reaches the pulp or center of the tooth, your dentist may need to perform a root canal. This involves cleaning out the pulp, including all tracts, then disinfecting the entire area and sealing it.
Some people may also need a crown afterwards to support a fragile tooth. But experts note that may depend on the position of the affected tooth. The teeth in the back of your mouth that are used for chewing are more likely to require a crown after a root canal.
Treatment for a gum cavity depends on the location of the cavity. If it’s above the gum line and not too extensive, your dentist can probably treat it like any other surface category: with a filling.
Usually, this means drilling through the enamel on the tooth and then removing the decay. The hole is then filled with a resin composite or other substance and then cured to set.
But a cavity that is actually at or below the gum line tends to require more extensive care. Your dentist may need to do a root canal to get rid of the decay and prevent it from spreading.
Reversal of a cavity is only possible in the very early stages of decay. If your dentist notices a cavity in the first stage, known as descaling, it may be possible to stop the damage and restore these lost minerals to your tooth.
But this assumes that the cavity is above the gum line and has not reached below the gum line or the root.
Now that you know what causes these cavities, you can take steps to prevent them from occurring. The most important things you can do include:
- Brushing your teeth. Do this twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, which is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) to prevent tooth decay. Be sure to brush along the gum line and consider using a fluoride mouthwash.
- thread every day. This will help you wipe away any debris that may be left there, which provides a food source for the bacteria that live in your mouth. The ODA she specifically recommends making sure you floss all the way to your gum line to remove anything hiding there that could lead to cavities.
- Visit your dentist. Visiting a dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams can help you and your dentist keep track of what’s going on in your mouth. That way, you’re less likely to develop a cavity that goes undetected and untreated for a long time. Your dentist can also do fluoride treatments.
- Prescription fluoride. Your dentist may recommend using fluoride at home and may write you a prescription to use on your own.
You can also take other steps to reduce your chance of cavities, such as drinking more water and eating less sugar.
If you think you are at increased risk of developing a cavity along your gum line, you may want to talk to a dentist about your situation.
In the meantime, you can work to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible with diligent brushing and flossing.
