Effects of Gums on Tooth Decay

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), tooth decay is the second-most common of all disorders --- only the common cold is more prevalent --- especially for children. In addition, for young people it is a common reason for losing teeth. Taking good care of your teeth by daily brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, but the gums play an important role, too.

Plaque

• The bacteria that are always present in your mouth convert your food into acids. The combination of bacteria, acid, saliva and food debris form plaque, which sticks to your teeth. The NLM notes that it accumulates primarily on the back molars, but it is on all of your teeth, just above the gum line. If it is not removed from your teeth, it will form tartar. The bacteria from plaque and tartar can irritate and damage your gums, leading to gum disease.

Cavities

• Cavities are formed by the acids in plaque. They decay the teeth, causing pits and holes. If cavities are not treated promptly, acids will continue to eat away at the tooth. Deep cavities can result in pain and can eventually lead to an abscess, which is a tooth infection. Plaque that is trapped just below the gum line is often the cause of cavities on the sides of your teeth and at the roots.

Receding Gums

• As you age, your gums may recede, and this makes the teeth more susceptible to decay. Your teeth's roots become exposed when gums recede, making the surfaces accessible to plaque. Although the roots are covered with cementum, a protective coating, it is rapidly lost when those surfaces are exposed, according to MayoClinic.com. Your teeth's roots are softer than the enamel on the top and can quickly decay.

Gum Disease

• Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth and the bones that support them. The early stage is gingivitis, where the gums are red and swollen. They may also bleed, especially when brushing. Periodontis is the most serious stage of the disease, where the gums are pulling away from the teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that periodontal disease is more common in adults. As with receding gums, periodontal disease makes your teeth's roots more vulnerable to decay. The American Dental Association notes that most people older than 50 have some decay in their teeth roots.

Considerations

• There are many risks factors for periodontal disease, including diabetes, smoking, immune system deficiencies, stress, heredity, certain medications, female hormonal changes and poor oral hygiene, according to the CDC. The best defense against gum disease that leads to tooth decay is to brush and floss daily and to see your dentist a minimum of once a year for cleaning and checkups.