Did you know that, in many cases, some simple everyday actions can cause harm to our oral health? A great example of this is exposed tooth roots, which can start in simple situations in our routine, such as when we brush our teeth, causing pain and stinging when eating hot or cold foods.
As the roots of the teeth are made up of nerves and attach the teeth to the gums, jaw and jaw, any changes can result in tooth sensitivity and serious oral health problems. If the roots are exposed, you will not only feel pain, but you can lose function of your teeth.
What are tooth roots?
The roots of the teeth are made up of sensory pulp and dentin. These are covered by a substance called cementum. Once they lose gum protection, they end up being exposed to oral contents, such as bacteria, plaque, acids, and also extreme temperatures, which causes dentin sensitivity.
Furthermore, it can also happen that the cementum deteriorates or wears away with brushing, as they are not as resistant as the enamel that covers the teeth above the gingival margin, also making the teeth more sensitive.
When is the tooth root exposed?
Several factors can contribute to the tooth root becoming exposed, also called gingival recession. The main factors that contribute to this condition are trauma during brushing, chronic or aggressive periodontitis, diabetes, smoking, some types of orthodontic treatment, poor tooth positioning, gingival biotype (thin and delicate gums), and even allergies to metal dental prosthetics.
Age most likely to have exposed teeth
Exposed tooth roots can occur at any age. It is important to always be alert, as, normally, when pain or the presence of retraction is noticed, the problem is already established, and it is difficult to reverse the gingival retraction process.
Exposed tooth root: what are the causes?
One of the main causes of exposed tooth roots is gum disease, but any problem that causes the gums to recede can have the same effect. Other possible causes and exposure of tooth roots include:
- Excessive brushing;
- Use of a hard-bristled toothbrush;
- Smoking and tobacco use;
- Misaligned teeth;
- Bruxism;
- Some orthodontic treatments.
What to do when the tooth root is exposed?
As the exposed root shows some signs, for example, sensitivity or intense pain, anyone who notices retraction or presents symptoms should be instructed to consult the dentist as soon as possible, so that they can evaluate the cause of these symptoms and undergo treatment suitable for the problem.
What happens to untreated exposed tooth roots?
When an exposed tooth root is not treated, the problem does not resolve spontaneously and may worsen, resulting in periodontitis and, possibly, leading to oral bone loss. Therefore, exposure of tooth roots is definitely a problem that you should talk to your dentist about, so that they can look for the cause and carry out the treatment in the best possible way. This will increase your chances of a positive result in your oral health.