If you think your teeth are looking longer or you are experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, you might have an exposed tooth root. You might question what caused it and if you can treat it on your own at home.
By exercising good oral hygiene, you can stop the tooth root exposure from getting worse. Without professional help from your dentist, you cannot return the exposed root to its normal state.
What Is an Exposed Tooth Root?
Every tooth consists of two parts: the crown, visible above the gumline, and the root, below the gumline.
The tooth root is embedded in the jawbone. The root is twice as long as the crown to provide the tooth with both strength and stability.
In proper oral health, the tooth root should not be visible because a part of the root is surrounded by bone, and the remainder is covered by gum tissue.
What Causes an Exposed Tooth Root?
The primary reason a tooth root becomes exposed is the result of the gums receding when the gum shrinks away from the tooth. This is quite often from periodontal disease. Periodontal, or gum disease, is a condition caused by an accumulation of harmful bacteria, or plaque, on the teeth.
Gingivitis is the first level of gum disease. The plaque irritates the gums immediately, and they become swollen and inflamed. They will also bleed when brushing.
Gingivitis is reversible with professional teeth cleaning and good daily oral hygiene at home. If it is not addressed, it will progress to the next level, periodontitis, when the bone surrounding the root can be damaged. The bone level decreases, and the gums will also recede, exposing the root.
Home Remedies for Exposed Tooth Roots
The best way to prevent and stop gum disease and recession from progressing is to practice good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is the easiest and best treatment for exposed tooth roots and can be achieved by simply brushing along the gumline and gently into the pockets. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and carefully floss once a day.
Reduce or eliminate habits that accelerate your chance of developing gum disease, such as smoking, excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and a poor or acidic diet. Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Dental Treatments for Exposed Roots
It is not possible to cover the exposed tooth roots with home remedies, but your dentist can cover and protect the exposed root with the following treatments.
- Composite Resin- Composite bonding resin is applied and sculpted on the exposed root to seal the root. This both protects the root and reduces sensitivity.
- Gum Graft- Soft tissue can be put over the root where there is no gum tissue. The healthy tissue is often taken from the roof of your mouth and then sutured around the root. New blood vessels will grow into this graft and become integrated with the surrounding healthy tissue.
A gum graft reduces sensitivity and prevents root decay, as well as further recession. It will also improve your natural smile.
- Desensitizing Pastes- A paste or gel is applied to the exposed tooth root to block the open dentinal tubules, therefore reducing the sensitivity to cold or hot.
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