If you notice any changes or irregularities in your gums, seek medical attention as soon as possible. This could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis (or both). These two oral infections are called periodontal diseases and can be horrible for your health if not taken care of immediately.
If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other complications. A dental infection will progress and worsen until you take action. Early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease at this time will help reduce the risk of other severe conditions.
Here’s what you need to know about exposed tooth roots due to gingivitis or periodontitis – their symptoms and how to treat them.
Generally, your gums should be around 3 mm away from your teeth. But if you have gum disease, your gums may not be pressing against your teeth as tightly. This can cause your gums to separate from your teeth and expose their roots.
Gum irritation and inflammation are often signs of a budding gum disease, which can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth leading to exposed roots. Exposed roots can increase your risk of other oral health issues, such as an abscess, infection, or tooth fracture. Keeping your teeth healthy and following proper daily oral hygiene can help keep your teeth and smile healthy.
While gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main culprits of exposed roots, aging can also be a factor. As we get older, our gums often recede, and our teeth become looser due to changes in the muscle structure of our lips and gums.
This may lead to tooth loss when not treated properly. At Serene Dental Center, we offer you the best dental care to help address your problems with exposed tooth roots, how to care for your teeth and how to keep all your original teeth healthy and strong.
Typically, if the gingiva has retracted, you will notice a wide gap between the tooth and the gum. You can check if you see a gap between your teeth and gums. You should be able to see more of your tooth than you used to. When gums recede, more of the tooth is visibly exposed.
Look for the notches at the bottom of the tooth since this area usually indicates where your gums have receded. The best way to know if you have a problem with exposed roots is to check your gums (and teeth) often during your daily oral hygiene routine with your trusted dentist.
If you have any of the symptoms below, you should visit a dentist.
One of the most common signs of your roots being exposed is excessive bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. If you notice blood in your saliva, it could mean that your gums are inflamed, or you may have gingivitis or periodontitis.
Another sign that roots are exposed is sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold food or drinks, you may have problems with exposed roots.
If your gums are infected with bacteria, they may smell bad. Further, the bacteria can travel to the rest of your body and cause bad breath.
If you notice that your teeth are becoming misaligned, the roots of your teeth may be showing. When your teeth have severely shifted or are too crowded, they may shift and cause the roots of your teeth to be exposed.
If you believe you have an exposed tooth root and wish to avoid oral activities that might cause significant discomfort, here are some of the most frequent reasons for exposed tooth roots, along with advice on treating them.
Gum recession is the process of your gums pulling away from your teeth, leaving an exposed tooth root. Once your gums start receding, there is no way to make them grow back. They can recede until the point where your tooth falls off. Talking with your dentist and getting the proper treatment for receding gums may be best to avoid tooth loss.
If you have suffered a traumatic injury to the mouth, you may have teeth that are misaligned. The gums can retract and expose the roots in case of misaligned teeth. A dentist's help can help avoid tooth root exposure due to injury.
If you have diabetes, sickle cell anemia, or lupus, you are more likely to have gum disease since these diseases weaken the immune system. Weak immune system makes a person susceptible to gum diseases.
Some medications, such as antibiotics and antivirals, can cause sie effects that increase your risk of tooth decay and gum problems. When left untreated, they may lead to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
If you have undergone periodontal surgery, you are more likely to have gum disease. Taking good care of your oral health and having proper dental hygiene can help your gums recover faster from the surgery.
If there is a gap between your gum line and your tooth, you may have a tooth root exposed. You may also notice that your teeth are sensitive or feel loose. Other signs and symptoms include:
Swelling or inflammation in your gums, unusual or unpleasant taste, bad breath or a change in your breathing pattern, or a change in your saliva such as a thicker consistency or a foul odor.
Your dentist may suggest one of the following, depending on how bad the problem is:
You will likely need extensive dental treatment if your tooth roots are severely exposed. This may include receiving a crown or gum grafting to protect that affected tooth. If you do not get treatment, you will likely experience additional tooth loss, pain, and an increased risk for gum disease.
Having a much sensitive teeth can also signify that you have an exposed tooth root. It’s best to consult your dentist when you notice the early signs of your gums receding.
Root canals, gum grafts, and tooth extractions are serious procedures. Though they are sometimes necessary to save your teeth, you can take preventative measures to keep your teeth healthy in the first place.
Regularly flossing and brushing your teeth will help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which are the leading causes of gum disease. You can also visit your dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning. With these preventative measures, you can keep your teeth healthy and avoid an exposed root diagnosis in the future.
At Serene Dental Center, we believe that a healthy smile is the foundation to a happy and successful life. We are committed to helping you achieve your dental goals by providing the latest dental care and education innovations. We provide a wide variety of services, including teeth whitening, dental implants, and Invisalign.
We are committed to providing excellent care with a gentle touch. Our goal is to help you maintain your optimal oral health and achieve the smile you want. As soon as you walk in, you'll see how much we care about giving you the best dental experience and making the place feel like home.
Call or visit our online scheduling page and experience our high-quality dentistry care in comfort and gentleness. Come get the Serene Experience!
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