While you will not be able to fully repair exposed tooth roots without help from your dentist, you can prevent the issue from getting worse by treating it at home. The first and best step is good oral hygiene. Read on to learn how you can treat exposed tooth roots at home and what causes them in the first place.
You might have noticed that your teeth seem a bit longer when you look at them in the mirror. Or maybe you have started having tooth sensitivity when eating and drinking hot or cold foods or liquids. You may have either light, moderate, or severe mouth pain. If so, you might have exposed tooth roots.
A tooth consists of two major parts:
1. The crown is the part you can see above your gumline. It is covered with a protective layer of enamel.
What is an Exposed Tooth Root?
2. The root is typically much longer than the crown. It is embedded in your jawbone to provide stability for your teeth.
If your teeth and gums are healthy, the tooth root should be covered by gum tissue and should not be visible when you look into your mouth.
What Causes Exposed Tooth Roots?
Exposed tooth roots can be caused by any of the following factors:
1. Gum recession is the primary reason a tooth root becomes exposed. The gum tissue around your tooth surface that usually covers the root recedes, or shrinks away from the tooth, exposing the root.
How can I Treat Exposed Tooth Roots at Home?
2. Aging is another primary reason. Over time, it is not uncommon for your tooth roots to become exposed when your gums begin to naturally recede as you age.
3. Gingivitis is the result of harmful bacteria, called plaque, that have built up in your mouth. Bacteria irritate gum tissue, causing it to become red, swollen, and inflamed. Also, your gums may bleed when you brush. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene.
What are Dental Treatments for Exposed Tooth Roots?
4. Periodontitis, commonly called gum disease, results when bacterial infection spreads and damages the bone surrounding your teeth. Gingivitis that is not treated can lead to periodontitis.
Your number one step for preventing worsening gum recession and exposed tooth roots is good oral hygiene at home:
1. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time using a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
2. Clean between your teeth with floss, a single-tufted toothbrush, and interdental picks, or use a water flosser.
3. Use a gum pocket brush to clean along your gumline. Ask your dentist to show you the proper technique.
4. Change personal habits that increase your chances for gum disease:
5. Do not smoke. Make every effort to quit, or seek help to quit if you need it.
6. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid sugary and acidic foods as well as over-consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
7. If you have diabetes, closely monitor and control blood sugar.
8. Desensitizing toothpaste is another effective home treatment option. Such products contain compounds that stop the movement of fluid between the dental tubules—tiny holes in your teeth—to prevent nerve stimulation.
If home treatments are unsuccessful, discuss other options with your dentist:
1. Composite bonding resin can be used to cover exposed roots and relieve sensitivity or pain. Your dentist will mold it into place to seal the problem area and protect it from further decay.
2. A gum graft, usually with tissue taken from the roof of your mouth, can be sutured into place to cover areas with little or no gum tissue. The procedure can help reduce sensitivity or pain and prevent further recession and root decay.
Related Article: How Do You Fix Exposed Tooth Roots?
