An exposed tooth root occurs when the protective gum tissue pulls back, revealing the softer structure beneath the gum line. While the visible crown is protected by hard enamel, the root is covered by cementum, a softer material susceptible to decay and physical wear. This recession is a common issue that leaves the root surface exposed to the oral environment, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Addressing root exposure promptly is important to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
Recognizing Root Exposure and Its Causes
The most common sign of root exposure is heightened sensitivity to temperature changes, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. This sharp discomfort occurs because the exposed root contains thousands of microscopic tubules within the dentin layer that lead directly to the tooth’s nerve. Visually, a tooth with an exposed root will often appear noticeably “longer” than its neighbors, or a small notch may be visible near the gum line.
Gingival recession, the primary cause of root exposure, results from mechanical and biological factors. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled brush physically wears away the gum tissue over time. Periodontal disease is a major biological cause, where bacterial plaque accumulation leads to inflammation that destroys the supporting gum tissue and bone. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, as some individuals naturally have thinner gum tissue prone to recession. Factors like teeth grinding (bruxism) and misaligned teeth can also contribute by placing excessive force on the gums and bone.
Immediate Steps for Pain Management and Protection
While waiting for a dental appointment, several measures can manage the discomfort caused by exposed roots. Using desensitizing toothpaste provides relief, as its active ingredients block the painful transmission of signals to the nerve. Compounds like potassium nitrate soothe the nerve, while stannous fluoride or strontium chloride physically plug the open dentinal tubules, preventing external stimuli from reaching the pulp.
Avoid foods and beverages with extreme temperatures, such as ice water or very hot coffee, as these are the most likely triggers for sharp pain. When brushing, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a light touch to avoid further abrasion of the exposed root surface. These home interventions only offer symptom relief and do not treat the underlying cause. Scheduling a consultation with a dental professional is necessary to determine the definitive treatment.
Professional Treatment Options
Professional treatment for an exposed tooth root aims to reduce sensitivity, prevent decay, and restore lost gum tissue. The choice of procedure depends on the cause and severity of the recession. For small areas of exposure or minor notches caused by wear, a dentist may apply dental bonding. This uses a tooth-colored composite resin material sculpted directly onto the exposed root surface to create a protective barrier, sealing the dentinal tubules and reducing sensitivity.
In cases where periodontal disease is the cause, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing (SRP) is often the first step. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, and root planing smooths the root surface to encourage the gum tissue to reattach and heal, eliminating inflammation. For moderate to severe recession, a gum graft is the definitive solution for covering the exposed root and restoring the gum line.
Gum grafting involves surgically placing new tissue over the area of recession. The connective tissue graft is the most common technique for achieving root coverage. This procedure harvests tissue from beneath a flap on the roof of the mouth and stitches it to the recipient site, offering predictable coverage and a good aesthetic outcome. A free gingival graft uses the top layer of tissue from the palate and is generally reserved for thickening very thin gum tissue to prevent future recession, rather than just covering the exposed root.
Preventing Recurrence
Protecting the teeth and gums requires adopting new habits and addressing underlying issues that caused the recession. Correcting the brushing technique is a fundamental change. The Modified Bass method is often recommended, where the brush bristles are angled at 45 degrees toward the gum line and a gentle, circular, or short vibrating motion is used. This technique cleans the plaque without scrubbing the delicate gum tissue.
Using a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush prevents mechanical abrasion. If teeth grinding (bruxism) is a contributing factor, a custom-fitted night guard is necessary to distribute forces evenly across the teeth. The night guard prevents the damaging lateral forces that accelerate gum recession. Consistent management of periodontal disease through regular professional cleanings and check-ups is mandatory to prevent the inflammatory cycle that leads to tissue loss.