Is exposed tooth roots an emergency?
The exposure of the tooth roots is related to the recession (lowering) of the gums. There are many reasons for this situation. The most common ones include chronic inflammation of the gums, improper oral hygiene (unremoved tartar deposits, tooth scrubbing), as well as malocclusions and improper diet. The shifting of the gum edge towards the tooth root exposes the area where the tooth crown connects to its root, i.e. the tooth root. While this is not an immediate emergency, this problem will not correct itself and you must visit a dentist.
Causes of exposed tooth roots
First of all, it should be clearly stated that receding gums and a decrease in their elasticity are not normal at any age. Exposed tooth roots do not appear spontaneously and are most often caused by poor oral hygiene and lack of regular visits to the dentist. Inadequate cleaning of the enamel surface from bacterial plaque accumulating on it, omission of interdental spaces, and remaining tartar deposits. All these aspects contribute to the development of gum inflammation. Ignored or unnoticed gingivitis leads to its development and transformation into periodontitis. This advanced stage of the disease results in bone loss, exposure of part of the root and, in extreme cases, loosening of teeth and their loss. That is why it is so important to react to the exposure of tooth roots and take appropriate measures to improve the situation.
Paradoxically, the problem may be caused not only by insufficient cleaning of the oral cavity, but also by brushing the teeth too intensively. A hard toothbrush, a highly abrasive whitening toothpaste, improper brushing technique and pressing the toothbrush too hard against the enamel surface are a very easy way to damage the gum margin and then lose its tissues. Nowadays, in the era of cheerfulness for a snow-white smile, there are more and more very abrasive preparations that many of us use without thinking. The situation is similar with home teeth whitening methods. Baking soda, citric acid and crushed charcoal tablets are not good for the health of your gums. It is worth being aware that such action may also result in gum recession and exposure of tooth roots.
Treatment of exposed tooth roots
Treatment of exposed tooth roots is a process whose success depends primarily on the patient. The basis of action is to remove all factors causing the problem and significantly improve oral hygiene.
Therefore, a visit to the dentist or hygiene office will be necessary, the aim of which will be, first of all, to check the condition of our teeth and gums, and then to thoroughly clean the teeth from tartar deposits (scaling and sandblasting). If we are also struggling with inflammation of the gums, the dentist or hygienist may recommend the use of preparations containing chlorhexidine, which are usually delivered in the form of mouthwashes.
The next step is oral hygiene instruction, which involves selecting appropriate tools (soft toothbrush, dental floss, interdental brushes, dental irrigator) and presenting how to use them. This is a great time to ask the specialist about all the aspects of dental health that are intriguing to us and to dispel any doubts.