What Causes Teeth Roots To Be Exposed?

Teeth roots can be exposed for various reasons; some are more common than others. Everyone has their risk factors, but you can also do certain things to reduce your chances.

The main reason tooth roots show is that the gum recedes from the tooth and starts to decay. When that happens, bacteria start eating away at the root of your tooth and eventually break through the surface, leading to an exposed tooth root. This article explains what causes tooth roots to be exposed and what you can do about it.

Teeth Roots Exposed: What's Going On?

When a tooth gets exposed, it’s a sign that it has become decayed. This can happen because of a gum injury, a gum infection, a break in a tooth, gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), or misaligned teeth.

When a tooth decays at its root, the tissues surrounding it begin to break down. When this occurs, the root becomes visible and is at risk of infection. Once a tooth root becomes exposed, it is very vulnerable.

Not only will the exposed root be very susceptible to bacteria, but also to other substances that could irritate it. Teeth roots are designed to stay covered; when exposed, they are much more likely to be injured and less likely to get blood.

Recognizing When A Root Is Exposed

Signs of an exposed tooth root include a visible tooth root, increased sensitivity, or swelling of gum tissue. Other symptoms could be an increased amount of plaque forming near a tooth or a foul smell from the mouth. It is important to note that each of these symptoms may also indicate something that is not a tooth root exposure.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to talk to a dentist to see if they could be related to an exposed tooth root. The best way to catch an exposed tooth root before it worsens is to check your teeth regularly.

It would help if you brushed your teeth at least twice a day and flossed once daily to reduce the risk of an exposed tooth root that can lead to tooth loss.

Typical Symptoms Of An Exposed Tooth Root

The symptoms associated with an exposed tooth root can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, a foul smell from the mouth, and an increase in plaque near the tooth. While these symptoms may seem obvious, it is essential to note that they could also indicate other dental problems.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to get in touch with a dentist as soon as possible. Pain may be the most obvious symptom of an exposed tooth root. Most exposed tooth roots are painful, but this may not always be true. Some exposed tooth roots may not cause any pain at all.

The extent of the pain associated with an exposed tooth root can vary depending on the severity of the issue. In some cases, it may cause a slight ache in the teeth. In other cases, the pain could be so severe that it prevents you from doing your daily activities.

Be On The Look Out For These Causes (and How to Avoid Them)!

There are a lot of different causes of tooth roots being exposed, and different steps can be taken to address them. If you're worried that you may have an exposed tooth root (or want to find out how to prevent it!), consider keeping an eye out for the following:

Injuries to the gum

The gum tissue may also be damaged if a tooth has been injured. If the gum tissue is damaged, it can't hold the tooth in place, resulting in an exposed tooth root.

Gum Disease

When the gum tissue around a tooth is inflamed, it is more likely to recede from the tooth. The tooth root may be exposed if the gum tissue recedes from the tooth caused by gum disease.

Infections

Tooth root infections can also cause the gum tissue around the tooth to recede. If the gum tissue recedes, the tooth root may be exposed. When left untreated, infection and bacteria can travel to our bloodstream leading to more severe health issues.

Breakage

A tooth root can also become exposed if there is a break in the tooth. The root may be visible if the chip or crack goes down to the root.

Misalignment

Improperly aligned teeth can also cause the gum tissue to recede. If the gum tissue recedes, the tooth root may be exposed.

Other issues

Sometimes other issues, such as a cyst or cyst-like growth, can cause the gum to recede from the tooth and expose the tooth root.

Options For Fixing Your Exposed Toot Root

There are a few different options for fixing an exposed tooth root. Some options may be temporary fixes, while others are more permanent. Your dentist will help you decide which option is best for you. Some of the most common options for fixing an exposed tooth root include the following:

Root canal therapy

A root canal is used to treat teeth and tooth root infections. It can also be used to treat exposed tooth roots by removing the infected core of the tooth.

Removal of the tooth

In some cases, the best solution is to remove the tooth entirely. This can be done with surgery, or if the tooth is decayed so much that it cannot be saved, it may be removed with a dental extraction.

Implant

An implant is a small screw that is placed into the jawbone. It is designed to hold a false tooth in place.

Suggestions For An Exposed Root Treatment

If you think you have a tooth root that is exposed, see a dentist as soon as possible. It can be challenging to treat, and you want to ensure that the problem is addressed correctly before it worsens. In many cases, the dentist will likely recommend an overall dental check-up before proceeding with the correct treatment.

If the infection has not yet spread to the rest of your mouth, then the dentist may clean out the exposed tooth root and pack the gum tissue around it with a material like dental cotton. If the infection has spread beyond the root, the dentist will give antibiotics to fight the infection.

In some cases, the dentist may remove the tooth altogether if it is impossible to clean it up.

When Roots Are Exposed Too Far For An Easy Fix

Not all exposed tooth roots can be treated easily. An exposed tooth root can be treated in some cases, but some dental treatments may be complex if it is so far down the tooth. In these cases, the dentist may recommend removing the tooth altogether.

This is a complex and painful decision, but sometimes it is the best option. It is important to remember that early detection is essential when it comes to treating oral diseases. The longer you wait to see a dentist, the more difficult it will be to treat the issue.

An Exposed Tooth Root Gets You To the Dentist; Now It's Your Turn To Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Whether the teeth roots are exposed or not, the health of the gums around them impacts them. Healthy gums help to keep teeth strong. This can be achieved through proper oral hygiene and diet. A healthy diet is helpful because it provides good nutrients for the teeth and gums, including calcium, vitamin C, and iron.

A healthy diet should also include avoiding or limiting certain foods, such as sugary or acidic foods because these can cause tooth decay and other oral health problems. It is also important to remember that brushing and flossing daily can help keep the gums healthy, which in turn helps to keep teeth strong.

If a tooth root is exposed, it is even more important to be diligent about oral hygiene because the plaque on an exposed tooth root can cause an infection that is difficult to treat.

Contact Lovett Dental For Your Next Dental Visit

We know that it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and put off primary health care like dental services. But we also know that seeing the dentist for the first time can be scary. At Lovett Dental, we want to ensure every dental service you choose is as convenient and comfortable as possible.