As people live longer and keep their natural teeth, their risk of developing root cavities significantly increases. As teeth age they lose their natural sensitivity and roots become increasingly exposed.
Like any cavity, this form of decay attacks a tooth’s exposed root. Root cavities are typically not as painful as other cavities, and therefore, can go unnoticed until they are in an advanced stage. These roots become exposed over time as the gum line receeds. However, this condition is not caused by age. There could be several causes for receeding gums and exposed roots, such as:
- Years of heavy-handed toothbrushing scrapes away the gum tissue and exposes a tooth’s root.
- A life-time of ‘wear and tear’ from a misaligned bite.
- A ‘soft food’ diet that tends to be composed mostly of sugary, high-carbohydrate foods. Decay-causing bacteria feed on carbohydrates.
- Medication-induced xerostomia, or dry mouth. Saliva helps wash decay-causing bacteria off of teeth, and it helps replenish minerals that sugary foods dissolve from tooth enamel.
- Dexterity and other physical limitations that hamper the ability to brush and floss properly.
If you have an elderly loved one in a care facility, inquire about the facility’s oral care program. If your elder lives alone, visit regularly and assist with oral care, if necessary. Regular check-ups are important whether the elder person lives at home or in a care facility. Schedule check-up appointments and provide transportation for your elder to keep that appointment.
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