Exposed Tooth Root – Treatment, Causes, and Symptoms of Exposed Roots

What Are the Causes of Exposed Tooth Root – Gingivitis

There are a few different reasons why tooth roots may become exposed. The most common cause is gingivitis, which is a form of gum disease. Gingivitis occurs when plaque and tartar build up on teeth and irritate the gums. This can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the bones and connective tissues that support teeth.

Receding Gums

Receding gums are the main cause of exposed tooth roots. Gum recession is when the gums pull away from the teeth and expose more of the tooth – including the root. It can happen gradually over time, or it may happen quickly. Receding gums can be caused by a number of different things, including:

1. Brushing your teeth too hard: If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you may be brushing too hard. This can damage the gums and cause them to recede. Do not use a hard-bristled toothbrush, and be careful not to brush too hard.
2. Plaque and tartar: If plaque and tartar are not removed from teeth, they can cause the gums to recede. This is because the plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and make them inflamed.
3. Gum disease: As mentioned before, gum disease can cause the gums to recede.
4. Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear down the gums and cause them to recede.
5. Dental procedures: some dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, can cause the gums to recede.

What Are the Symptoms of Exposed Tooth Root?

The main symptom of exposed tooth root is sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. This is because the tooth root does not have a protective layer of enamel. When the root is exposed, the nerve endings are also exposed and can be irritated by hot, cold, or sweet substances. Other symptoms of exposed tooth root, apart from tooth sensitivity, may include:

• pain when chewing or biting;
• red, swollen, or bleeding gums;
• loose teeth;
• receding gums.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan.

How Is Exposed Tooth Root Treated?

The treatment for an exposed tooth root will depend on the underlying cause. If the cause is gingivitis or plaque and tartar build-up, then a professional teeth cleaning may be all that is needed to treat the problem. The dentist or hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and may also recommend a toothpaste or mouthwash that can help to reduce the inflammation of the gums.

If the cause is receding gums, then the dentist may recommend a gum graft. This is a surgical procedure in which healthy gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth and grafted onto the area of receding gums. This can help to improve the appearance of the gums and protect the exposed tooth root.

In some cases, a crown may be necessary to treat an exposed tooth root. This is because the tooth may be too weak or damaged to support a filling. A crown is an artificial cap that covers the entire tooth. It can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, or ceramic.

What Are the Complications of Untreated Exposed Tooth Roots?

If left untreated, the exposed tooth root can lead to a number of complications, such as:

1. Tooth loss: if the exposed root is not treated, it can become infected. The infection can damage the bone and connective tissue that support the tooth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
2. Gum disease: as mentioned before, exposed tooth root can lead to gum disease. If gum disease is not treated, it can damage the bones and connective tissues that support teeth.
3. Abscess: an abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms around the tooth. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If not treated, an abscess can damage the bone and connective tissue around the tooth and lead to tooth loss.

How Can I Prevent Exposed Tooth Root?

There are a few things you can do to prevent exposed tooth root, such as:

1. Brushing your teeth twice a day: This will help to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
2. Flossing daily: This will help to remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth and at the gum line.
3. Using a mouthwash: This can help to reduce the inflammation of the gums and remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
4. Seeing your dentist regularly: This will allow the dentist to catch any problems early and recommend a treatment plan.

If you have receding gums, there are a few things you can do to prevent further damage, such as:

1. Avoiding hard foods: Hard foods can cause the gums to recede.
2. Using a soft toothbrush: This will help to avoid irritating the gums.
3. Avoiding tobacco: Tobacco use can cause the gums to recede.

If you have any concerns about an exposed tooth root, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan.

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