The root of the tooth is exposed

In a healthy tooth, the gingiva (gum) completely covers the root of the tooth. The gingival margin lies approximately 2 mm above the cementoenamel junction. If there is now a recession (regression) of the surrounding tissue, the gingival margin shifts further and further down (basal) and more of the tooth and the tooth root is exposed in the oral cavity.

This can be either only on the side towards the cheek, only on the side towards the tongue or circular. In this situation, the tooth is particularly sensitive to external stimuli, so that even breathing in cool air causes the typical short, sharp pain. The development of exposed tooth necks has many different causes.

For example, caries may be the cause, an inflammation may be present, the gums may be overstressed while brushing the teeth, or traumatic damage may have occurred. The most common cause is incorrect tooth brushing. Many people fear that they do not exert enough pressure when brushing their teeth and that the plaque is not removed sufficiently, so that brushing is done with increased pressure.

However, this is not beneficial, but rather leads to the retraction of the gums. Hypersensitivity is caused by the lack of the protective layer of hard enamel in the exposed area. Irritations can be transmitted more easily via the tubules (tubules) located in the dentin. In addition to the high sensitivity, the exposed tooth necks also provide a predilection site (= “preference”) for caries, which quickly reaches the roots.

Causes toothache at the root

As with most toothaches, there can be many different reasons for the triggering. Even exposed tooth necks caused by incorrect brushing can be considered. However, the most common cause, as with most dental diseases, is untreated caries.

The bacteria, which are only initially found in the enamel, work their way further and further until they can reach the dentine and later the dental pulp.The vessels and nerves present there are their next target, so that the tooth expresses itself with an inflammatory reaction. Toothache is the result, because the body wants to communicate to the outside world that something is wrong. The pain can end abruptly if the intervention is not taken in time.

A positive sign? Usually not, because an inflammation does not disappear by itself and the easing of the pain indicates that the tooth has died. Gum pockets offer another way for bacteria to find their way to the root of the tooth.

The pockets are like a pool of bacteria that then attack the tooth, causing pain. Untreated gingivitis can promote the development of gum pockets. If the tooth is permanently incorrectly stressed, as in the case of nightly grinding, or if it is permanently disturbed by traumatic damage or even stressed by wisdom teeth that have grown crooked, root pain is a symptom that occurs.