The exposed tooth root can scare some people, in addition to causing sensory discomfort during food intake. This condition is not natural and is not terribly common. Because of this, it requires monitoring by a dentist and treatment. The roots of the teeth are the part under the gums that hold your teeth to your jawbone.
Why can the tooth root be exposed?
This happens because, sometimes, the gums begin to recede. Initially, the gums go through inflammation, called gingivitis. For this reason, this part retracts and leaves the root visible, which can cause increased sensitivity in the area, in addition to encouraging the proliferation of more harmful microorganisms, since the root loses the protection of the gums. When gingivitis is not treated in time, it evolves into a deeper inflammation, called periodontitis. This problem affects the bones that support the teeth, which further worsens tooth sensitivity and can even cause tooth loss. The symptoms of exposed tooth roots are visibly very long teeth; and discomfort or even pain when eating cold or hot foods.
What are the causes of this?
There are different reasons for gum inflammation and recession that causes exposed tooth roots to arise.
Genetic factors
If your father, mother or grandparents had a problem like this, the chances of you having it increase significantly. This is because it already carries the information about this disease in its DNA. Therefore, it is interesting to see a dentist to anticipate treatment.
Poor positioning of teeth
Crooked, recessed teeth or any incorrect position can expose the tooth roots, which will lead to sensitivity problems and a lack of protection for this area.
Excessive brushing force
The force applied when brushing should be moderate: firm enough for the brush not to slip out of your hand, but not too strong. If this is not the case, the gums begin to wear down and may become inflamed, which will cause gum retraction and, consequently, the exposure of the tooth root.
Dental cavity
Untreated tooth decay can lead to exposed tooth roots. This usually happens slowly over time. As cavities erode the protective layer of enamel on a tooth, the individual may experience increased sensitivity or pain. Eventually, the root may become visible, especially if the decay is so advanced that the tooth is seriously affected.
Lack of hygiene
Not taking care to clean your teeth increases microorganisms in the mouth. This generates more bacterial plaque, capable of causing gingivitis, triggering the entire process explained above. Furthermore, a lack of oral hygiene generates several other problems, such as bad breath, yellowing of teeth, cavities, tartar, among others.
What are the health risks of the exposed root?
If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss. In fact, exposure of the root is a sign of something earlier and much more serious, which can impair speech and adequate food consumption due to marked sensitivity in the area. The exposure of a tooth root requires dental intervention, which is why is you think you are experiencing this, you should contact your dentist.