If you are like most people, you probably take good oral hygiene for granted. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning. But what if you started to experience some problems with your teeth – like exposed tooth roots? This can be a very concerning problem, as it can lead to numerous other dental issues down the road. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of exposed tooth roots and what happens to untreated exposed teeth roots.
Exposed Tooth Roots Causes
There are a few different reasons why someone may experience exposed tooth roots.
Gum disease: Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This build-up can irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed and eventually recede away from the teeth. If the gum disease is not treated, it can progress and lead to exposed tooth roots.
Orthodontic work: When you get braces or other orthodontic work done, it can put a lot of pressure on your teeth. This pressure can cause the roots of your teeth to become exposed.
Wear and tear: As we age, our teeth can start to wear down. This is especially true if we have poor oral hygiene or if we grind our teeth at night. Over time, the enamel on the teeth can wear away, exposing the sensitive root area.
Misaligned teeth. If your teeth are not properly aligned, it can put undue stress on certain areas of the teeth. This can lead to naked tooth roots over time.
Trauma: Another common cause of exposed tooth roots is trauma to the mouth. This can occur from an injury or from teeth grinding. When the teeth are damaged, the roots can become exposed and vulnerable to infection.
Tooth Grinding: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a condition that can cause the teeth to wear down over time. This can lead to exposed tooth roots and other dental problems.
Rigorous Brushing: Believe it or not, you can actually brush your teeth too hard! This can lead to gum recession and eventually tooth roots being exposed.
Tobacco: Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of gum disease. This is because tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can damage the gums and teeth. Over time, this damage can lead to tooth root exposure.
What Happens to Untreated Exposed Tooth Roots?
If left untreated, exposed tooth roots can lead to a number of serious dental problems. These include:
Tooth loss: Exposed tooth roots can make the teeth weak and susceptible to breakage. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss.
Infection: When the roots of the teeth are exposed, they are more vulnerable to infection. This can lead to pain, swelling, and other problems.
Bone loss: Exposed tooth roots can also lead to bone loss in the jaw. This can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to see your dentist right away. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options. In some cases, exposed tooth roots can be treated with a simple procedure called root canal therapy. This involves cleaning out the infected root and sealing it off to prevent further damage. In other cases, more extensive treatment may be necessary.