What If You Have Exposed Tooth Roots?
If you have exposed tooth roots, you are likely to experience tooth decay and infection, so you should see your dentist as soon as possible. The main reason tooth roots become exposed is gum recession, which often occurs naturally due to aging. Gum recession allows harmful bacteria in your mouth to damage the root of your tooth, and that can lead to infection and possible tooth loss.
What are Signs of Exposed Tooth Roots?
Symptoms related to exposed tooth roots vary from person to person, but the most common are pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or liquids, and increased plaque near the tooth. You may also notice a foul odor from your mouth.
Pain is usually the most obvious symptom of exposed tooth roots, but depending on the person, exposed tooth roots may not cause any pain, or the pain might be so severe that you are prevented from working or enjoying your normal daily activities.
What Causes Exposed Tooth Roots?
Exposed tooth roots are caused by a variety of factors:
- Damage to gum tissue can occur if you have a tooth that has been injured. Damaged gum tissue may not hold the tooth in place, resulting in exposed roots.
- Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) causes inflamed gums, which are more likely to recede from teeth and expose roots.
- Bacterial infection can also cause gum tissue to recede, resulting in exposed tooth roots. Left untreated, the infection can enter your bloodstream and possibly cause more severe health issues.
- Misaligned teeth, or teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken, can also cause gum recession and exposed tooth roots.
In some cases, issues such as a cyst or another type of abscess or growth in your mouth can cause gum recession and exposed tooth roots.
What are the Treatment Options for Exposed Tooth Roots?
If you think you have exposed tooth roots—either from the symptoms described above or because the exposed tooth root is visible in your mouth—see your dentist as soon as possible. Exposed tooth roots are often challenging for your dentist to treat, so you will want to address the issue right away before it becomes worse.
Your dentist will likely conduct an overall dental check-up beforehand to determine which of the following options is the most appropriate treatment for you:
- Composite bonding resin can be used to cover exposed roots and relieve sensitivity or pain. Your dentist will mold it into place to seal the problem area and protect it from further decay.
- A gum graft, usually with tissue taken from the roof of your mouth, can be sutured into place to cover areas with little or no gum tissue.
- Root canal treatment may be necessary if your exposed tooth root has developed into a more serious and widespread infection.
- A crown, made from gold and coated with durable porcelain for a tooth that is visible, is a common and effective treatment option.
- Extraction, unfortunately, is the best solution in some cases. Your dentist will do everything possible to save your tooth, but sometimes it is better to remove a problem tooth than leave it in your mouth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene to Prevent Exposed Tooth Roots
Healthy gums help keep teeth strong. If you have exposed tooth roots, it is vital that you practice good oral hygiene habits because the plaque on an exposed tooth root can cause an infection that can be difficult to treat. Brush your teeth twice daily; floss at least once a day; maintain healthy eating that provides nutrients such as calcium, iron, and Vitamin C; and avoid or limit sugary or acidic foods.
Related Article: Is Exposed Tooth Roots an Emergency?