I have a hole in my gum, what should I do?

The most common cause takes the form of small, painful lesions . These can leave a hole feeling in the gums. The reasons? Stress , vitamin deficiency , or minor injuries from poor chewing .

Removing a tooth can leave marks… or rather holes. 🫣 After a tooth has been extracted, it is normal for a small cavity, called an alveolus , to temporarily form. If it doesn't heal properly, it may look like a persistent gum hole.

Conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis cause gum recession or the formation of deep pockets that look like holes. Moreover, according to the Nantes University Hospital , in France, more than 80% of adults aged 35 to 44 suffer from periodontal disease .

A hard food, a toothbrush that is too stiff, an accident in the mouth... more potential damage to your gums and teeth.

First of all, rest assured! The gum has the ability to regenerate naturally, but this depends on several specific factors:

• Size of the lesion : Obviously, small wounds heal more quickly than large ones.

• Location : areas used during chewing heal more slowly.

• Oral health : healthy gums promote rapid healing, unlike infected gums.
  Personal habits : tobacco and poor diet slow down the process.

You should also know that the gum is made up of soft tissue and rich in blood vessels, which promotes rapid healing, of which here are the main stages:

1. Formation of a blood clot to protect the area.

2. Reduction of inflammation by white blood cells.

3. Regeneration of tissue thanks to fibroblasts.

4. Maturation of the new tissue which integrates with the existing gum.

If healing is not satisfactory, it may be necessary to consult a dentist. 😷

To promote the healing of a hole in the gum, it is essential to adopt appropriate actions. Here are our recommendations. before imagining any treatment.

Obviously, having good dental hygiene remains and will remain the key to accelerating the healing of your gums. In fact, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste . Also use dental floss or brushes to clean the spaces between the teeth. To perfect your hygiene, complete with an antiseptic mouthwash which will prevent an infection such as an abscess. And we are not the only ones to say it, the UFSBD too.

In addition to daily treatment, there are some natural solutions that can soothe and accelerate tissue regeneration:

• Salt water rinse : Simply mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth 2 to 3 times a day.

• Aloe vera gel : apply it directly to the affected area, its soothing, antiseptic and regenerating properties will be a blessing in the bath.

Use of local antiseptics : an antiseptic gel suitable for the gums will reduce the risk of infection and provide immediate relief.

If despite all these efforts, the pain persists or if you observe signs such as swelling , recurrent bleeding or the presence of pus (potentially linked to an abscess), it is crucial to consult a dental professional quickly .

Fortunately, there are several! The choice of treatment depends on the cause of said hole. Here are some possible solutions for mouth ulcers and tooth extraction.

Although mild, these ailments may require treatment to avoid complications, such as an abscess.

• Topical treatment: use antiseptic or analgesic gel and mouthwash.

• Dietary changes : avoid irritating foods (spicy, acidic, very hot) and favor those rich in vitamin C.

A tooth extraction leaves a cavity whose healing requires great precautions. And no need for treatment per se!

• Management of the socket : protect the blood clot by avoiding straws, vigorous rinsing and any contact.

• Recommendations : we repeat, having a suitable diet is crucial. Favor soft and lukewarm foods, avoid crispy, hard or hot products.

Yes, natural healing is not always sufficient. In this case, it may be necessary to resort to specific solutions, including surgery:

• Gingival graft : the idea is to take a fragment of tissue to graft it onto the affected area. This surgery strengthens the gums, protects the roots of the teeth and improves aesthetics.

• Periodontal surgery : to clean deep gingival pockets and promote their closure.

And obviously, we cannot repeat it enough, but dental follow-up is crucial to monitor the condition of your gums, and therefore to prevent complications. This will be able to carry out early detection, but also monitor the evolution of a tooth or gum post-surgical intervention.

It's all a question of balance between dental hygiene , balanced diet and regular visits to the dentist. So as a reminder:

• Good oral hygiene : brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and alcohol-free toothpaste . Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth. Using an antiseptic mouthwash is perfect for preventing infection. In addition to holes, this can also prevent other complications, such as abscesses.

• Balanced diet : we limit sugary and acidic foods, preferring products rich in vitamin C, D and calcium.

• Avoid risks : do not smoke and wear a mouthguard during contact sports.

• Consultations with the dentist: we consult him regularly (we know you love it) to get screened and benefit from professional cleanings.

A hole in the gums can be uncomfortable or even cause pain. But with appropriate treatment and rapid consultation in the event of complications, you promote optimal healing of the gum or tooth. Take care of your gums to preserve the health of your smile. 😬