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If you experience painful twinges when brushing your teeth or toothaches when eating hot or cold foods, you could have exposed tooth roots. The roots of teeth contain nerves, and they anchor teeth in the gums and jaw bone. Consequently, if you have an exposed tooth root, it can mean tooth sensitivity and serious dental health problems.
Check out these causes and symptoms that may explain your tooth root pain and how your dentist can help you feel your best again.
Tooth roots contain sensitive nerve pulp and bony dentin, and they're covered by a substance called cementum. When tooth roots lose the protection of the gums, they're exposed to mouth contents like bacteria, plaque, acids, and also to extreme temperatures, causing tooth sensitivity. What's more, cementum isn't as hard as the tooth enamel that coats the teeth above the gumline, and so it can quickly decay or wear away with brushing. As a result, the teeth can become more sensitive and less stable.
Gum disease is a major cause of exposed tooth roots, but anything that breaks down the gums can have the same effect. Overzealous tooth brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush also damages the gums and exposes tooth roots. Other possible causes of an exposed root include smoking and tobacco use, misaligned teeth, and tooth grinding. Finally, orthodontic work can sometimes expose tooth roots.
Tooth sensitivity is often the first noticeable symptom when you have exposed tooth roots. Twinges, aches and pains can occur at any time, but common triggers are sweet, sour, hot, or cold foods and drinks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Other signs you might notice are your teeth looking longer or the appearance of the roots at the base of your teeth. Less obvious symptoms of an exposed tooth root are red, swollen or bleeding gums, which are signs of gum disease. In serious cases of gum disease, the gums recede and expose the roots of the teeth.
Managing the sensitivity can begin during your daily oral care routine. Brush with a sensitive toothpaste, such as Colgate Sensitive Complete Protection, which contains a maximum strength FDA allowed antisensitivity active ingredient. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a circular brushing motion, and avoid pressing too hard. Giving up tobacco to avoid its irritating effect on the gums also helps with sensitivity.
Additionally, speak to your dentist about the problem. They can apply desensitizing agents or fluoride gels to the sensitive area, treat any gum disease, and, in severe cases of exposed tooth roots, recommend a dental surgeon to perform a gum graft to cover the exposed area. The Cleveland Clinic mentions that white fillings or dentin sealers can be applied to cover the exposed area. A mouth guard may help prevent further damage from nighttime tooth grinding.
If an exposed tooth root isn't treated, the problem doesn't resolve by itself. A case caused by gum disease only worsens if the disease continues, resulting in periodontitis and possibly bone loss in the jaw. If poor tooth brushing habits aren't changed, more tooth roots may become exposed and sensitivity may increase.
Exposed tooth roots are definitely a problem you should talk to your dentist about. Treating the condition helps reduce tooth sensitivity and prolongs the life of your teeth. You'll be able to enjoy your favorite meals and beverages without painful twinges, and your teeth and gums will be healthy again.
