The root of a tooth is located below the gumline and helps anchor the tooth in the jawbone. When the root of a tooth becomes exposed, it may break through the gums and indicate damage to the gums or teeth. When the tooth root is no longer hidden by the gums, this may cause sensitivity and pain. Without treatment, it can lead to infection and other complications.
Tooth roots may become exposed as a result of gum recession or any trauma that damages the gums. Gum recession becomes more common with age and may 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 located below the gumline and anchors 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 prong. Like the rest of the tooth, the root contains nerves and sensitive tissue. When the root is exposed and air reaches it, it may become damaged and cause severe pain.
Symptoms of an exposed tooth root include:
- gum sensitivity;
- gum pain;
- bleeding gums while brushing teeth;
- the tooth appears elongated;
- swelling;
- change in tooth color.
Symptoms may vary depending on the cause of root exposure. Root exposure may also cause no symptoms at all.
What Can Cause Exposure of a Tooth Root?
An exposed tooth root is often a sign of gum disease or gum recession.
Gum Disease
Poor dental hygiene usually causes gum disease. It occurs when bacteria in the form of plaque enter the space between the teeth and gums and cause infection. In severe gum disease, the supporting bone around the tooth recedes and exposes the root.
Gum recession — pulling away from the teeth — may also be associated with the natural aging process, poor dental habits, and genetic predisposition.
If the root is exposed due to gum recession, the gums may look uneven — there will be less gum tissue on some teeth than on others. It may also appear as if there are gaps or pockets between the teeth and gums.
Other Causes
Although gum disease is a common cause of tooth exposure, other factors may also contribute to it.
Caries. Untreated caries can lead to exposure of tooth roots. In most cases, this happens slowly over time. As caries eats through the protective enamel of the tooth, a person may develop increased sensitivity or pain. Eventually, the root may become visible, especially if the caries is so advanced that the tooth breaks.
Brushing teeth with a hard toothbrush. A 1993 study showed that brushing teeth with a hard-bristled brush is associated with gum recession. Brushing too hard with pressure may 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 teeth can cause pressure that wears down the gums. Many people unconsciously clench their teeth at night while sleeping.
Trauma. Injuries in the oral cavity may break or shift teeth, causing the roots to become visible. For example, a blow to the face may cause the tooth to shift in the gums, exposing its root.
Misaligned teeth. Incorrectly positioned or crooked teeth are more susceptible to gum recession than aligned teeth.
Treatment of an Exposed Tooth Root
Treatment of the problem depends on the cause and specific symptoms.
Gum Disease
Gum recession is often combined with periodontal diseases. The gums may acquire a whitish shade or bleed.
Crowns. A dental crown is a cap for a tooth that can protect and strengthen it. A crown can cover an exposed tooth root.
Gum plastic surgery. This is a surgical operation that can correct the shape, contours, and size 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 to areas of severe recession.
Gum flap surgery. The operation is performed to remove inflamed tissue from under the gums.
Dental scaling. During this procedure, the dentist removes bacteria and tartar below the gumline.
Root planing. The dentist smooths and polishes the surface of the tooth roots to prevent further accumulation of bacteria.
Caries
The dentist may remove the decayed area of the tooth and place a filling. If the caries is serious, more intensive treatment may be needed, such as root canal treatment or even tooth extraction.
Teeth Grinding
Treatment of teeth grinding depends on its cause. If you clench your teeth during the day, increased awareness may be enough to solve the problem. If you clench your teeth at night, the dentist may recommend a mouthguard.
Misaligned Teeth
Incorrect tooth positioning can be corrected by various methods, including braces or aligners.
Can an Exposed Tooth Root Be Treated at Home?
The problem of tooth root exposure will not resolve unless a person receives proper treatment from a dentist. If you think that one of your roots is exposed, talk to your dentist about the best treatment options. Specialists can also detect signs of gum disease that may be the cause of root exposure and help prevent the condition from worsening.
An exposed root is not always visible, especially if the tooth is located in the back of the mouth or crowded with other teeth. For this reason, a person should also see a dentist if they experience any of the following symptoms: sensitivity to cold or heat, pain when brushing teeth, gums that often bleed, and changes in the shape of the teeth or gums.
Prevention of Tooth Root Exposure
Some people have a greater genetic likelihood of developing gum recession than others. Although you cannot change your genetics, you can still take steps to reduce your chances of developing gum recession. The three biggest risk factors are smoking, plaque formation, and improper tooth brushing.
Here are several ways to reduce the likelihood of the problem occurring.
Have regular dental check-ups. Regular dental examinations 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 among smokers is twice as high as among people who have never smoked.
Brush and floss your teeth. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and using dental floss once a day. It is very important to follow the correct brushing technique and choose the right toothbrush.
Avoid teeth grinding. Pressure from teeth grinding can lead to gum recession. Wearing a mouthguard may help if you grind your teeth during sleep.
An exposed tooth root may cause sensitivity or pain that can be intense. There are many causes of this, including caries, gum recession, trauma, and incorrect tooth positioning. 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.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.