If you observe any changes in your gums, visit your dentist soon. This can be a sign of gum disease. It can cause serious issues if not treated promptly. If left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss and other complications. The infection continues to advance and worsen until stopped.
Normally, your gums are about 3 mm away from your teeth. If you are experiencing gum disease, your gums will now sag away from the teeth. This creates pockets exposing the roots. Exposed roots increase your risk of other oral problems, like an infection, an abscess, or a tooth fracture.
Aging and Exposed Roots
Gum disease is a primary cause of exposed roots, but natural aging is also a factor. As we age, our gums also recede naturally, and our teeth may become loose from slight changes in the muscle structure of both our lips and gums. Your dentist can address your exposed root problems with proper treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposed Tooth Roots
If your gums have receded, you might notice a gap. You can now see more of the tooth than before. More of the tooth is visibly exposed. Check your teeth and gums during your daily routine. Common signs can be:
- Bleeding- A common symptom of exposed tooth roots is excessive bleeding while brushing. If you see blood in your saliva, it can mean that your gums are infected, indicating gum disease.
- Sensitivity- Another symptom is increased sensitivity to both hot and cold food or drinks.
- Bad Breath- Infected gums smell. Bacteria buildup causes constant bad breath, and the bacteria will even travel to other parts of your body.
- Tooth Misalignment- If your teeth are slowly becoming misaligned, the roots may be showing. When your teeth shift or become crowded, this can also cause the roots to be exposed.
Common Causes for Exposed Roots
Here are a few common reasons for exposed tooth roots:
- Receding Gums- Gum recession is your gums pulling away from your teeth, leaving exposed tooth roots. Once a recession begins, there is no way to grow them back. They continue to recede until you lose a tooth.
- Injury- If you have had an injury to your mouth, you can have teeth that have become slightly misaligned. Your dentist can provide treatment to avoid tooth root exposure from an injury.
- Medical Conditions- If you have diabetes, lupus, or sickle cell anemia, you are more vulnerable to gum disease since these conditions weaken your immune system.
- Medications- Some medications will cause side effects that increase issues.
- Periodontal Surgery- If you had periodontal surgery, your chances may increase of having gum disease. Continue to exercise proper preventative dental hygiene so the gums recover faster after your surgery.
Treatments For Fixing Your Exposed Tooth Root
Your dentist may recommend one of the following, depending on the severity:
- If your gums are receding, they will first suggest a gentle, professional cleaning to remove the damaging plaque and tartar. If the root is exposed, your dentist may recommend protecting the root with a dental bonding resin.
- If your gum recession is excessive, your dentist may recommend a gum graft.
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