[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When we think about tooth decay and cavities, we tend to think about darker spot or hole on the surface of a tooth. But, many of us don\u2019t know that cavities can occur on the ROOT of a tooth\u2026 so long as it\u2019s been exposed by insufficient (receded) gum tissue. This oral health issue is referred to as \u201croot decay\u201d.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Am I at risk for root decay?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Anyone with exposed dental roots or notable gum recession is at risk for root decay. That said, it\u2019s primarily seniors and older adults who experience this problem the most \u2013 as their gum recession tends to be the most severe. In addition to this, the senior population tends to have a dryer mouth environment due to medication \u2013 raising their risk for root decay even higher. This is because a dry mouth lacks the #1 protector against decay: saliva.<\/p>\n

How do I protect my smile from root decay?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Root decay is preventable through good daily oral hygiene care. This includes daily flossing, as well as GENTLE brushing twice a day, using no other than a soft bristled toothbrush. This is because aggressive or abrasive tooth cleaning is one of the main contributors to gum recession. In conjunction with diligent and gentle daily oral care, a visit to the dentist and hygienist every 6 months (or as required) will also help to ensure your gums and teeth stay in tip top shape.<\/p>\n

A cavity that exists on the root of the tooth is treated in the same way that a cavity penetrating the enamel is treated \u2013 with a dental filling! However, timeliness is key when it comes to treating a cavity on the root. This is because the decay can reach the tooth\u2019s pulp at a much faster rate than if it were to begin on the tooth\u2019s surface enamel, causing irreversible damage. If root decay is discovered too late, it a root canal procedure may be the only option \u2013 or worse, tooth extraction.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

How long has it been since you\u2019ve visited the dentist and hygienist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Are you due for a check-up and cleaning? Our friendly team of dental professionals would love to see you! Call or e-mail us today to book an appointment.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When we think about tooth decay and cavities, we tend to think about darker spot or hole on the surface of a tooth. But, many of us don\u2019t know that cavities can occur on the ROOT of a tooth<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3898,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[68],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3895"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3895"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3895\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3898"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katbaboptodent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}