An exposed tooth root is the first visual sign that a patient probably has gum disease, infection, or periodontal disease. When a patient has an exposed root, they are most likely experiencing pain and discomfort, and they are at risk of losing teeth. Your Dentist will want to do everything they can to prevent this tooth loss, use them as a resource and go get yourself checked out at the first sign of exposed roots.
What are exposed roots?
Exposed roots are the darker area of the tooth that is exposed as the gums recede. The roots are the thing that fastens the tooth to the gums and jaw. The provide the tooth with blood and support the healthy tissues that keep the teeth in place. When the are exposed the tooth is vulnerable, as are the gums themselves to infection and tissue damage.
What are the signs and symptoms of exposed tooth roots?
1. Bad Breath- With the damage of tissue and presence of infection comes bad breath.
2. Bleeding- Blood from the gums or the roots of the teeth themselves, usually after brushing or flossing.
3. Discharge- With severe infections a pus like discharge may be present. Also a tartar like substance which comes off the teeth as the tissues are destroyed.
4. Visual Root Exposure- The tooth root is a slightly darker or yellow shade than the tooth itself, and when the gums recede far enough this is noticeable.
5. Pain- Patients often report pain when eating sweet, spicy, acidic, or sugary foods. Hot and cold also are affected by the increased sensitivity.
6. Misalignment and Shifting- As the gums recede, your teeth may move. This will cause other teeth to shift, as the delicate balance of the mouth becomes ever so off-kilter.
7. Tooth Loss- In severe cases, the root is compromised so deeply that the patient loses teeth.
What is Causing Exposed Tooth Roots?
- Infection: infection is the most common causal factor. Most gum disease is a result of infection. Without proper hygiene, food particles harden on the surface of teeth and enter the gumline. Once there they proliferate, and fester into a horrible infection which destroys healthy gums tissue and exposes teeth before eventually causing them to fall out.
- Trauma: A hit to the face or jaw could cause teeth to become misaligned, could damage the jaw or gums, or cause tooth loss. Once this process begins, it is sort of self-serving. Tooth loss leads to gums disease which leads to tooth loss.
- Smoking: Smoking introduces the gums to harmful toxins which both lead to infections, and get absorbed within the gums and cause recession.
- Medications: A lot of medications cause dehydration and gum recession. It’s in the little fine print at the end of the commercial.
How to Treat Exposed Roots
Exposed roots should be treated by your dental care team. With proper monitoring, many options are available. You can look into restorative hygiene, gum grafts, or tooth replacement. Begin with a consultation and see what they recommend next.