Are Exposed Tooth Roots Common
Exposed tooth roots are actually a common problem that many patients experience at some point. Our roots keep our teeth anchored in place within the jawbone and help support bone health. Every time you chew, you are basically working out the roots of your teeth which helps regenerate bone growth, like exercising to strengthen and build muscle mass. When the gum tissue around the tooth root begins to recede, the exposed root can become very painful and even lead to loss of bone mass, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.
The most common cause of gum recession and exposed tooth roots is gum disease though overly aggressive brushing can also lead to root exposure. A lot of dental problems have the same signs and symptoms and exposed tooth roots is no different.
How do I know if I have exposed tooth roots?
The most common symptoms of exposed tooth roots is extreme sensitivity and visible recession. You may actually be able to see that your tooth appears longer than it used to be which happens when the tissue begins to pull away from the surface of the route. Gum recession can be a result of gum disease, dry mouth, or other oral problems though there are certain medications that have gum recession as a negative side effect.
Gum disease is most often a result of poor oral hygiene. When you brush and floss, you are removing plaque buildup but when plaque is not regularly removed, it can calcify into tartar which needs to inflamed gum tissue and infection. Some patients may experience bleeding when they brush and floss which is a telltale sign of gum disease. We have pockets between each tooth and the surrounding gum tissue and when those become infected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more severe medical complications.
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, tooth loss, or the need for extraction. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
How can I prevent exposed tooth roots?
The best way to prevent any dental issue is with preventative care. This includes good oral hygiene at home as well as regular visits to your dentist for a professional cleaning and check up. Most patients can stick to a twice a year regimen but some patients, especially those who are more susceptible to gum disease, can benefit from more frequent cleanings.
Patients who are genetically predisposed to gum disease or those who are on medications that cause dry mouth or gum recession should consider 3 to 4 cleanings per year to keep everything healthy. The dental insurance industry has set a standard of two cleanings per year but even if your insurance will only cover two cleanings, it may be beneficial to have one or two more cleanings per year, even if you have to pay out of pocket, to prevent more costly treatment in the future.
If you notice any symptoms of gum disease or gum recession, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid exposed tooth roots and to prevent more severe issues in the future.