You might examine your mouth more closely if anything feels out of the ordinary. For example, you might have a bump or lump on your gums, but it can be even more alarming to find a hole in your gums. But what does it mean, and should you be worried about it?
In this article, we’ll discuss what a hole in your gums can mean. Next, we’ll talk about how you can treat a hole in gums, and finally, we’ll discuss some things you can do to prevent this from happening.
What Causes A Hole In Gums?
A “hole,” in this case, might not be a hole per se. It might be a cratered or indented area in your gums that you can feel with your tongue. So, we’ll break down some of the causes that might lead to this.
The most common cause for a hole in your gums is gum disease. It starts to develop when dental plaque accumulates on your teeth to such an extent that it pushes below the gum line. The gums don’t like bacteria and debris buildup, so they become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. This irritation might also cause them to bleed. At this relatively early stage, gum disease is known as gingivitis.
However, if not treated in time, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis – an advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause tissue and bone loss, which is likely the cause behind the hole in your gums.
How To Treat A Hole In Your Gums
There are several methods to treat a hole in your gums. However, there is no way to do so safely at home – it requires the attention of a professional dentist. Fortunately, the treatment is an
an excellent way to stop the progression of periodontitis, and it’s a “deep cleaning” treatment known as scaling and root planing.
Scaling involves a dentist removing tartar from the teeth using a special scaling tool. Remember that plaque hardens to tartar, and you can’t get rid of it using brushing alone. Next, the dentist smooths or “planes” out the tooth roots’ surfaces, making it difficult for tartar to attach to the surfaces and easier for the gums to reattach to them.
However, you might have periodontitis that requires more advanced surgery, especially in cases of bone or tooth loss. This means that a dentist will make small incisions into the gums to lift portions of them, reaching in to clean the deepest plaque buildup. This is flap surgery, and your dentist might combine it with regenerative surgical procedures and gum grafting. These can help tissue and bone heal and recover.
How To Prevent A Hole In The Gums
The best way to prevent periodontal surgery or a thorough dental treatment is to maintain excellent oral hygiene. All too often, neglecting your oral hygiene is why gum disease develops in the first place. That’s why it’s important to brush your teeth thoroughly for a full two minutes each day. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste and not brush too hard. Floss regularly, as it can prevent plaque buildup between the teeth.
Conclusion: If You Need Treatment
If you need treatment, it’s a great idea to contact a qualified dentist and discuss the hole in your gums. They’ll be able to get you the treatment you need to get your healthy, radiant smile back.
See why we’re the best dentist in Houston, TX! At A+ Star Smile Dental, we offer personalized treatment for each patient, with our promise of dedication to excellence. Please feel free to give us a call at 713-984-4934, and we’ll be happy to help answer any questions or schedule you for an appointment.