Are exposed tooth roots common?
When tooth roots become exposed, it is not a good thing. In many cases, exposed roots suggest a patient has poor oral health. While the issue may not seem serious at first or cause significant problems, exposed roots which remain untreated can result in serious, long-term issues.
Some of the common causes associated with exposed roots can include an unevenly shaped crown or receding gums. The issue is not extremely common, and some patients may not even be aware that their roots are exposed. There are certain risks of exposed roots and there are also certain things patients can do to prevent the issue from returning once it has been treated.
Common causes of exposed roots are summarized below.
Gums which become inflamed or start to recede from the teeth can eventually expose the tooth’s roots. This can result in quite a bit of pain when performing routine activities such as brushing or flossing the teeth. This discomfort can also make it difficult to effectively clean the teeth.
Once bacteria reach into the roots, it can travel throughout the bloodstream and result in damage. Bacteria can even impact other organs and areas of the body. Exposed roots which remain untreated can result in bone loss or even the loss of the tooth in severe cases.
Signs of an Exposed Root
One of the most obvious signs of an exposed root is teeth which appear to be longer than normal without any explanation. This occurs because the gums pull away from the teeth and begin to recede as a result of the existing plaque and bacteria.
There is a thin layer of gum tissue which protects the teeth from dangerous infection-causing bacteria. An exposed tooth root does not have this level of protection as the gums tear away from the tooth. Another sign of an issue is swollen or inflamed gum tissue. Unhealthy gums can easily progress into receding gums and cause other problems.
Patients may also experience significant sensitivity on the teeth with receding gums. The increased sensitivity may be especially noticeable when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
The following are common symptoms associated with exposed roots:
- Deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- Gums which are swollen and red around the tooth
- Shaky or weak teeth when chewing or placing pressure on the tooth
- Pain, soreness, or stinging which suggests the presence of an infection
Two common causes of exposed roots may include an unevenly shaped crown or gingival recession.
The crown of the tooth may become misshapen over time from things such as whitening treatments, damage, wear and tear, or decay. If a patient has a new crown placed over a damaged tooth, it is possible for the dentist to remove too much of the healthy tooth. This may cause the crown to become uneven and ultimately result in an exposed root. It is important to have damaged teeth treated and to maintain healthy gums.
Gingival recession occurs when the gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth. It is possible for this to occur following a routine cleaning or tooth extraction. Other causes for gum recession may include genetic predisposition, untreated gum disease, use of too much force when brushing or flossing, pregnancy hormones, and some medications. In order to avoid exposed tooth roots, it is important for patients to practice good oral hygiene. This includes using gentle pressure with twice daily brushing and daily flossing. In addition, patients should make regular visits to the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning.
Patients who suspect they have an exposed tooth root should follow up with their dentist to ensure the issue is treated in a timely manner. Prompt treatment helps maintain good oral hygiene and aids in preserving the teeth.