The root of the tooth is located below the gum line and helps anchor the tooth in the jawbone. When a tooth root is exposed, it can push through the gums and indicate damage to the gums or teeth. When the root of a tooth is no longer hidden by the gums, it can cause sensitivity and pain. Without treatment, it can lead to infection and other complications.
Tooth roots can become exposed as a result of receding gums or any trauma that damages the gums. Receding gums become more common with age and can occur even if you have perfect oral hygiene. However, it is often a sign of gum disease.
What is an exposed tooth root?
Only half of the tooth is visible in the oral cavity. The rest is under the gum line and secures the tooth in the jawbone. This hidden part of the tooth is called the root. All adult teeth have at least one root, but some have two or even three. Each root resembles a tooth. Like the rest of the tooth, the root contains nerves and sensitive tissue. When the root is exposed and air enters it, it can be damaged and cause severe pain.
What are the symptoms of an exposed tooth root:
- gum sensitivity;
- pain in the gums;
- bleeding gums during tooth brushing;
- the tooth becomes elongated in appearance;
- edema;
- tooth discoloration.
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the exposed root. Root exposure may also cause no symptoms.
What can cause tooth root exposure
An exposed tooth root is often a sign of gum disease or receding gums.
Gum disease
Poor dental hygiene usually causes gum disease. This happens when bacteria in the form of plaque gets into the space between the teeth and gums and causes an infection. In severe gum disease, the supporting bone around the tooth recedes and exposes the root.
Also, gum recession (recession of the teeth) can be related to the natural aging process, poor dental habits and genetic predisposition.
If the root is exposed due to gum recession, the gums may appear uneven—some teeth will have less gum tissue than others. It may also appear that there are gaps or pockets between the teeth and gums.
Other reasons
Although gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss, other factors can also contribute to it.
Caries. Untreated caries can lead to exposure of tooth roots. In most cases, this happens slowly, over time. As tooth decay eats away at the tooth’s protective enamel, a person may experience increased sensitivity or pain. Over time, the root can become visible, especially if the caries is so advanced that the tooth breaks.
Brushing teeth with a hard toothbrush. A 1993 study found that brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush was associated with gum recession. Brushing too hard with pressure can also lead to gum recession.
Tobacco use. All forms of tobacco increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Teeth grinding. Frequent grinding or clenching of the teeth can cause pressure that wears down the gums. Many people unconsciously clench their teeth at night while sleeping.
Trauma. Oral trauma can break or dislodge teeth, exposing the roots. For example, a blow to the face can cause a tooth to shift in the gum, exposing its root.
Displaced teeth. Misaligned or crooked teeth are more susceptible to gum recession than aligned teeth.
Treatment of exposed tooth root
Treatment of the problem depends on the cause and specific symptoms.
Gum disease
Gum recession is often combined with periodontal disease. The gums may become whitish or bleed.
Crowns. A dental crown is a cap for a tooth that can protect and strengthen it. A crown can cover the exposed tooth root.
Gum plastic. This is a surgical operation, thanks to which you can correct the shape, contours and dimensions of the gums. It can also improve the structure of soft tissues and reduce tooth mobility. In some cases, a person may need surgery to transplant healthy gum tissue into areas of severe recession.
Flap surgery on the gums. The operation is performed to remove inflamed tissue from under the gums.
Dental scaling. During this procedure, the dentist removes bacteria and tartar from below the gum line.
Alignment of the tooth root surface. The dentist smoothes and polishes the surface of the tooth roots to prevent further accumulation of bacteria.
Caries
The dentist can remove the decayed part of the tooth and insert a filling. If the decay is severe, more intensive treatment may be required, such as a root canal or even tooth extraction.
Teeth grinding
Treatment of teeth grinding depends on its cause. If you grind your teeth during the day, increasing awareness may be enough to solve the problem. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard.
Displaced teeth
You can correct misaligned teeth using various methods, including braces or aligners.
Is it possible to cure the exposed tooth root at home?
The problem with the exposure of the root of the tooth will not be solved if the person does not receive proper treatment at the dentist. If you think one of your roots is exposed, talk to your dentist about the best treatment options. Specialists can also identify signs of gum disease that may be causing exposed root and help prevent the condition from getting worse.
The exposed root is not always visible, especially if the tooth is in the back of the mouth or crowded with other teeth. For this reason, a person should also see a dentist if a person experiences any of the following symptoms: sensitivity to cold or heat, pain when brushing, gums that bleed frequently, and changes in the shape of the teeth or gums.
Prevention of tooth root exposure
Some people are genetically more likely to develop receding gums than others. While you can’t change your genetics, you can still take steps to reduce your chances of developing receding gums. The three biggest risk factors are smoking, plaque buildup, and improper brushing.
Here are some ways you can reduce the likelihood of the problem occurring.
Have regular dental checkups. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to identify early signs of gum disease.
Avoid tobacco. More than 40% of people aged 20 to 64 who smoke cigarettes have gum disease. This rate is twice as high in smokers as in people who have never smoked.
Brush and floss your teeth. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It is very important to follow the correct brushing technique and choose the right toothbrush.
Avoid grinding your teeth. Pressure from teeth grinding can lead to gum recession. Wearing a mouth guard can help if you grind your teeth in your sleep.
An exposed tooth root can cause sensitivity or pain that can be intense. There are many reasons for this, including tooth decay, gum recession, trauma, and misalignment of the teeth. Anyone who notices an exposed tooth root or experiences symptoms should see a dentist as soon as possible. Timely treatment reduces the risk of complications, as well as the need for more complex treatment.