If you notice any changes in your gums, see your dentist soon. This might be a sign of gum disease. It can cause serious oral issues if not treated promptly. If you leave it untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other complications. The infection will continue to advance and worsen until it is stopped.
Normally, your healthy gums are about 3 mm away from your teeth. If you are suffering from gum disease, your gums will sag away from the teeth. This creates larger pockets, exposing the roots. Exposed roots now increase your risk of other oral problems, like an infection, a tooth fracture, or an abscess.
Aging and Exposed Roots
Gum disease is a primary source of exposed roots, but natural aging is also a frequent factor. As we age, our gums recede naturally, and our teeth can become loose from tiny changes in the muscle structure of both our lips and gums. Your dentist will address your exposed tooth roots with appropriate treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposed Tooth Roots
If your gums have receded, you could notice a gap. You will now see more of the tooth than normal. More of the tooth becomes visibly exposed. Check your teeth and gums often during your daily routine. Common signs can be:
- Bleeding- A common symptom of exposed tooth roots is bleeding while brushing. If you can see blood in your saliva, it means that your gums are infected, indicating gum disease.
- Sensitivity- Another symptom is an increased sensitivity to both hot and cold food or drinks.
- Bad Breath- Infected gums do not smell nice. Bacteria buildup causes constant bad breath, and the bacteria can even travel to other areas of your body.
- Tooth Misalignment- If your teeth are becoming misaligned, the roots might be showing. When your teeth shift or become crowded, this will also cause the roots to be exposed.
Common Causes for Exposed Roots
Here are the most common reasons for exposed tooth roots:
- Receding Gums- Gum recession is when your gums pull away from your teeth, resulting in exposing tooth roots. Once a recession begins, there is no way to restore and grow back. They will continue to recede until you lose a tooth.
- Injury- If you have suffered an injury to your mouth, you might have teeth that have become slightly misaligned. Your dentist will provide appropriate treatment to avoid tooth root exposure from an injury.
- Medical Conditions- If you have diabetes, lupus, or sickle cell anemia, you are at a greater risk of gum disease since these conditions weaken your immune system.
- Medications- Some medications cause side effects that increase issues.
- Periodontal Surgery- If you have had periodontal surgery, your chances of having gum disease can increase. Continue to practice proper preventative dental hygiene so your gums recover faster after your surgery.
Treatments For Fixing Your Exposed Tooth Root
Your dentist might recommend one of the following, depending on the severity:
- If your gums are receding, they will first recommend a gentle, professional cleaning to remove the accumulated plaque and tartar. If the root is exposed, your dentist can recommend protecting the root with a dental bonding resin.
- If your gum recession is excessive, your dentist could recommend a gum graft.
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