Root Caries: An FAQ Guide
Summarized from an essay by
Randy F. Huffines, D.D.S. "Root Caries" © 2007
Republished and Condensed with Consent from the Author
What is root caries?
It is form of tooth decay which attacks tooth roots. It is also known as root decay or root cavities. It becomes more of a problem for us as we age. Unlike typical tooth decay, which happens at the top of a tooth, root decay happens to tooth roots that have been exposed by receding gums.
What causes root caries?
It is caused by bacteria, like all other forms of tooth decay. Poor dental hygiene leads to buildup of bacteria that cause plaque. Also, gum recession, which exposes the tooth root, is another contributing cause. The root is made of dentin, which is much more sensitive than enamel, and which decays much easier.
Root decay can also result from changes in the amount of saliva in your mouth because saliva contains many chemicals that keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Many medications, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and some diseases can cause your glands not to make enough saliva and therefore make cavities and other mouth problems more likely to occur.
How do I know if I have root caries?
Many people that have them do not know it. Because they occurs at or even below the gum line, the warning signs that often accompany tooth decay, such as sensitivity to cold or sweets, may not be present. In addition, as teeth age, they lose their sensitivity and may not warn us that the tooth is damaged.
Root cavities are most commonly found by a dentist or dental hygienist during a professional cleaning or exam, when they show up as soft spots in the tooth. X-rays and radiographs are also used to systematically check for root caries.
What can be done to repair the damage to the tooth?
Root caries is a deceitful condition. Even if you can see the cavity with your naked eye, you will probably dismiss it as small and harmless. This is not the case. Teeth are much like trees that blow over in moderate winds due to rotten or dying roots. Even minor damage is to the foundation of the tooth will weaken the entire tooth and put it at risk for breaking off to the gum line.
Damage may reach all the way to the pulp of the tooth and may require endodontic therapy (root canal) to prevent pain and infection. At times, so much damage occurs that the tooth must be extracted. That is why it is so important to have frequent exams so that the condition can be found early.
What can be done to prevent this condition?
Because root cavities are caused from bacteria, it is paramount that you keep your teeth clean every day. If your gums have receded, cleaning can be more difficult. Come see us if this is the case, because we have special teeth cleaning methods that we can teeth you to do at home.
Fluoride has also proven to be highly effective in the prevention of root caries. There are now many ways to be sure you receive the proper amount of fluoride depending on your unique needs. We will customize a fluoride treatment plan just for you.
Diet is also a very important factor because certain foods and snacks can greatly increase the number of bacteria that forms the decay-causing plaque.
Finally, frequent professional cleanings and through exams can help prevent root caries, or find it early when it can be more easily repaired. We are here to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime!
Randy F. Huffines, D.D.S. "Root Caries" © 2007
Republished and Condensed with Consent from the Author
What is root caries?
It is form of tooth decay which attacks tooth roots. It is also known as root decay or root cavities. It becomes more of a problem for us as we age. Unlike typical tooth decay, which happens at the top of a tooth, root decay happens to tooth roots that have been exposed by receding gums.
What causes root caries?
It is caused by bacteria, like all other forms of tooth decay. Poor dental hygiene leads to buildup of bacteria that cause plaque. Also, gum recession, which exposes the tooth root, is another contributing cause. The root is made of dentin, which is much more sensitive than enamel, and which decays much easier.
Root decay can also result from changes in the amount of saliva in your mouth because saliva contains many chemicals that keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Many medications, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and some diseases can cause your glands not to make enough saliva and therefore make cavities and other mouth problems more likely to occur.
How do I know if I have root caries?
Many people that have them do not know it. Because they occurs at or even below the gum line, the warning signs that often accompany tooth decay, such as sensitivity to cold or sweets, may not be present. In addition, as teeth age, they lose their sensitivity and may not warn us that the tooth is damaged.
Root cavities are most commonly found by a dentist or dental hygienist during a professional cleaning or exam, when they show up as soft spots in the tooth. X-rays and radiographs are also used to systematically check for root caries.
What can be done to repair the damage to the tooth?
Root caries is a deceitful condition. Even if you can see the cavity with your naked eye, you will probably dismiss it as small and harmless. This is not the case. Teeth are much like trees that blow over in moderate winds due to rotten or dying roots. Even minor damage is to the foundation of the tooth will weaken the entire tooth and put it at risk for breaking off to the gum line.
Damage may reach all the way to the pulp of the tooth and may require endodontic therapy (root canal) to prevent pain and infection. At times, so much damage occurs that the tooth must be extracted. That is why it is so important to have frequent exams so that the condition can be found early.
What can be done to prevent this condition?
Because root cavities are caused from bacteria, it is paramount that you keep your teeth clean every day. If your gums have receded, cleaning can be more difficult. Come see us if this is the case, because we have special teeth cleaning methods that we can teeth you to do at home.
Fluoride has also proven to be highly effective in the prevention of root caries. There are now many ways to be sure you receive the proper amount of fluoride depending on your unique needs. We will customize a fluoride treatment plan just for you.
Diet is also a very important factor because certain foods and snacks can greatly increase the number of bacteria that forms the decay-causing plaque.
Finally, frequent professional cleanings and through exams can help prevent root caries, or find it early when it can be more easily repaired. We are here to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime!
Labels: root caries, root cavities, root decay
posted by Dental Expert at
3:41 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home