We often hear of gum inflammation or bumps, but have you heard of hole n gums? A hole might look like an area of your gums that’s been indented or pocketed, as compared to the surrounding tissue. But what exactly causes these holes to appear? Read this blog to find out.
Reasons Your Gums have a Hole
Any area in gums that looks hollow or pocketed than the surrounding tissue is usually the result of gum disease, but there are other factors that might be responsible.
The harmful bacteria that resides in your mouth starts eating your gums tissues over time. Consequently, you’ll notice recession in your gums along with pockets. The hole starts out small, but will grow larger if it does not receive medical attention. Periodontal diseases primarily responsible for this condition are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is milder than periodontitis. Still, gingivitis progresses into periodontal disease if neglected.
What are the Types of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontitis affects soft tissues and brings damage to the bone supporting our teeth. This is why it needs treatment straightaway. It can be divided into five subdivisions, which are:
1. Gingivitis
This mild form of gum disease is characterized by bleeding, redness, and tenderness. It is reversible and brings minimal damage.
2. Periodontitis
The gum diseases progresses to this stage, with tissues breaking down and receding gums. Moreover, you’ll notice pockets forming between teeth and gums as the tissues start pulling back. At this stage, the infection gets worse.
3. Aggressive Periodontitis
If the gum disease is still neglected, the infection spreads and reaches the supportive bone tissue. Thus, the gum tissue and teeth separate even more.
4. Chronic Periodontitis
Now the condition will progress slowly in comparison to aggressive periodontitis. But the tissues are still receding, pockets are still forming, and the bone loss is still happening.
5. Necrotizing Periodontitis
Generally, this condition is linked with other systemic diseases like HIV. Cells within the jaw bone, connective fibers, and gum tissue die off in this form of gum disease.
Periodontal disease is not the only culprit of holes in your gums, it could also be an infection or an open tooth socket.
How to Treat Holes in the Gums?
The cause of gum holes help determine the treatment method. Some ways to treat them are:
1. Deep Cleaning
Deep leaning involves two steps. First, the dentist will scrape off the pocket-forming tartar and plaque from the gum line in the scaling process. Then, they’ll remove plaque from the deep layer in root-planing.
2. Flap Surgery
In this procedure, your dentist will slice open the tissues. They will remove any plaque, bacteria, or tartar present there and reattach it to eliminate gum holes.
3. Gum Grafting
This procedure involves taking a healthy tissue from your mouth and placing it where the gum recession has taken place.
4. Antibiotics
Your dentist will recommend antibiotics to kill off bacteria in extreme cases.
The Takeaway
Hole in gums is usually a result of gum disease, infection, or an open tooth socket. Your oral healthcare provider an aid to it after diagnosing the condition. You can talk to Mission Bend Dentistry experts for any oral health concerns. Dial to book an appointment with us today.