Gum disease can bring terrible symptoms and give us a world of pain. We have experienced painful or swollen gums, but what would you do if you found a hole in your gums?

The first question that would come to your mind is: why do I have a hole in my gum? 

Finding a hole in your gums near the wisdom tooth or behind molars is not as uncommon as you may think. 

Advanced gum disease is the most common cause of a hole in your gum line. It is also known as periodontitis. There are some other infections that may lead to a hole in your gum above a tooth. Herpetic gingivostomatitis may also cause a hole in your gums. 

When an area in the gum feels or looks pocketed or indented, you may call it a hole in your gum. Let us find out the common causes of holes in gums along with some tips for prevention. 

What Causes A Hole in The Gums To Form?

There are several reasons for this. Let us find out more about them. 

😬 Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. It is caused due to a bacterial infection in the area around the gums and teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It occurs when there is a build-up of plaque on the teeth and between the gums. Bacteria thrive between the layers of plaque and produce certain wastes that cause inflammation and bleeding. 

When this condition reaches its later stages, the inflammation spreads, affecting the bone and tissue. The gums may pull away from the teeth and create gaps or pockets that may look like holes in the gums. 

Here Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Periodontitis:

• Swollen gums 
• Inflamed gums 
• Bad breath 
• Bleeding gums 
• Sensitive teeth
• Sensitive gums 
• Loose teeth 
• Pain while chewing 
• Holes in gums 

There are certain cases where an infection causes holes in the gums. Certain viruses and bacteria may cause this to happen. 

One such condition is known as Herpetic Gingivostomatitis. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV. It may occur in children or adults. Lesions can appear in the mouth and gums. These lesions may look like indents or holes in the gums. 

Here Are Some Symptoms Of Herpetic Gingivostomatitis:

• Loss of appetite 
• Red gums
• Inflamed gums
• Swollen gums 
• Fever 
• General irritability 
• Malaise 
• Swollen lymph nodes 

🙁 Open Tooth Socket

An open tooth socket is a hole in the gums that is present after a tooth extraction. Many people feel that they have a hole in the gum after wisdom teeth removal. This hole is not a sign of disease. It heals with time. You just need to ensure that the hole and the surrounding area are not disturbed while it heals. It may take around 8 weeks for this hole to fill up completely. 

😷 Necrotizing Periodontal Disease 

This is a rare but excruciating form of gum disease. It is known to occur suddenly. It damages the gum tissue and makes the gum look like they have holes or indents in them. This disease can also cause painful ulcers. People with weak immune systems are prone to getting this form of gum disease. This disease causes tissue death and needs medical intervention. 

Here Are Some Of The Other Symptoms Of Necrotizing Periodontal Disease 

• Extreme pain 
• Bleeding that occurs anytime
• Bad breath 
• Damaged gums
• Receding gums
• Holes in gums 
• Fever
• Foul odor from mouth 
• Swollen lymph nodes 

How To Fix A Hole in Your Gums?

In most cases, you can not treat a hole in your gums at home. It really depends on your case. Let us find out some of the prevalent treatment options. 

😁 Scaling And Root Planing 

The accumulation of plaque is what causes gingivitis and leads to periodontitis. Scaling and root planing are used to remove the accumulated plaque that may be there above or below the gums. When your dentist tells you that you need “deep cleaning” of your teeth, they are talking about scaling and root planing. 

The scaling and planning process takes place in two steps. In the first step, a dentist performs scaling. Plaque is removed from the teeth and the gumline where the teeth meet the gumline. 

The next step is root planning. In this step, a dentist will scale the roots of the teeth. The roots of the teeth are smoothened so that they can easily re-attach to the gumline. 

This is an outpatient procedure. Most of the time, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. If the periodontitis is severe, multiple sittings may be required. 

💉🦷 Periodontal surgery 

Very advanced stages of periodontal disease may require periodontal surgery. There are different types of periodontal surgery. 

Some of the types of periodontal surgery are flap surgery, regenerative surgery, and gum grafting. 

If your periodontitis is severe, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria and reduce the severity of the infection. 

Where Do You Get Holes in The Gum?

Holes in gums can be found in different places depending on the cause. If you have an open tooth socket, it will be right at the site of your extraction. If you are suffering from periodontitis, the holes in your gums will be in the area where the teeth meet the gumline. 

If you have an infection, holes in your gums can form anywhere on the gums. 

How To Prevent Holes From Forming in Your Gums?

You need to prevent gum disease if you want to make sure that you never get holes in your gums. 

You should brush your teeth twice a day. You should include flossing in your daily oral care routine. Flossing ensures that food does not get stuck between two teeth. You can reduce plaque accumulation on your teeth by daily brushing and flossing. 

Follow the given tips to avoid holes in your gums 

Brush and floss twice a day 

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush 

Use a fluoridated toothpaste 

Clean your gums to remove plaque 

Avoid sugary and highly acidic foods 

Quit smoking 

Limiting sugary and sticky foods can prevent the build-up of plaque on the surface of your teeth 

See your dentist at least twice a year and get your teeth cleaned

Visit your dentist at the first sign of gum disease 

If you want to prevent holes in your gums and have more questions, you can reach out to us at Morgan Hill Dentistry. Our expert orthodontists will be glad to answer your questions and suggest suitable treatments for your dental problems.