Noticing a change in your gum’s appearance can be alarming. Usually, we don’t pay much attention to our gums until there is a noticeable problem. So seeing a hole in your gums might make you panic. But you need to know what it means to understand your oral health better. This blog will explain the causes of gum holes and what they mean.
Causes of Hole in Gums
The primary reason for a hole in the gums is gum disease. Holes form when a gum region becomes pocketed, cratered or indented. The reasons for this include:
1. Periodontitis
The harmful bacteria in your mouth can form plaque, which thrives on the sugar from our food. Gradually, the plaque bacteria can cause irritation, inflammation, and bleeding in the gums. This condition is known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, possibly leading to tissue and bone loss. As a result, pockets or holes appear between the teeth and gums.
2. Infections
Bacterial and viral infections are also possible culprits of holes in your gums. Herpetic gingivostomatitis is a common condition that usually occurs in children, but adults can get it too. Caused by HSV, it can look like concave or cratered lesions in the mouth. Moreover, the affected person might notice ulcers too. Other than this, some rare infections like actinomycosis also develop holes.
3. Open Tooth Socket
A hole in the gums also appears after a tooth extraction procedure. Although the socket fills up in 8 weeks, disturbing it can cause a dry socket. A dry socket can be painful as it exposes the tooth nerve and bone of the healing hole.
4. Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
Your gums might suddenly look cratered, with punched-out lesions. This may happen due to a rare form of gum disease, namely necrotizing periodontal disease. People with a weakened immune system are more vulnerable to this gum disease. Not only does one get painful ulcers, but white or yellow pseudomembrane also covers the necrotic areas.
What Are The Treatment Options for the Hole in Gum?
The holes might appear on the gum, depending on the cause. Once your dentist figures out the reason, they might opt for the following treatment accordingly:
- Scaling & Root Planing to remove the plaque bacteria around your gum line, usually to treat periodontitis.
- A periodontal surgery, like flap surgery, gum grafting, or regenerative procedures.
- Antibiotics to kill the bacteria in case of periodontal disease or bacterial infection.
Prevention Tips
You can prevent the hole from appearing in your gums if you stick to the following:
- Every day, brush and floss at least twice. Make sure to gently brush your gums and reach between your gum lines with the floss.
- Use toothpaste and other oral hygiene products with proven gum benefits.
- Don’t skip the professional dental cleanings; get them at least twice a year.
- Steer clear of smoking
- Limit the intake of sugary foods
What Should I Do?
Oral care is essential; otherwise, you might detect problems like a hole in your gums. If you notice anything unusual about your gums, contact Harmosa Dental. Our specialists are only a few digits away at
(713) 695-3400 (E. Little York)
(832) 427-1797 (Highway 6)
(281) 747-7004 (Porter)
(832) 328-5651 (Tomball)