Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth create acids that destroy the enamel on the surface of your teeth. Dentists call the damage “cavities,” but most people refer to the holes that lead to damaged teeth as “cavities.”
Caries can occur on any surface of the tooth: the biting surface, the smooth flat sides of the tooth, and the root. Root cavities by definition are cavities that affect the root.
Typically, tooth decay causes all cavities to develop, including root cavities. The process occurs over time and starts with a sticky film called plaque that develops on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and starches left behind from the food you eat.
Plaque can harden into stone and the acid within the plaque can begin to eat away at the enamel surface of your teeth.
Tiny holes develop in the enamel and bacteria can move down the holes and reach the dentin layer of your tooth. If left unchecked, these bacteria can even move down into the center of your tooth, where the nerve is.
In general, tooth decay tends to occur more often on your back teeth, as they are harder to keep clean. Research it also shows that root cavities tend to grow twice as fast as cavities on other tooth surfaces, resulting in enamel damage. This makes early intervention imperative to stop the damage.
Since a root cavity, by definition, develops at the root of a tooth, you probably won’t be able to see it by looking in a mirror and looking at your open mouth. But you may notice some warning signs, such as pain in your tooth or perhaps some sensitivity, especially to cold or heat.
Also, if you notice your gums receding, it’s important to see a dentist, as gum recession is often the first step on the road to root cavities. Without gum coverage, roots can be more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.
Anyone can develop root cavities, but the elderly are at much greater risk. In fact, research suggests that age 70 is the peak age for root cavity development. This is because older people are more likely to have a condition known as loss of periodontal support, which is a
Over time, these tissues can gradually recede from the teeth. Sometimes, part of the root may even be exposed. Bacteria can enter the tissues, which can lead to inflammation and, yes, cavities. The teeth may also become loose.
Older people are also more likely to have other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which can increase their chances of developing inflammation in their gums that leads to periodontal disease.
ONE 2019 systematic review of research on root caries also found that smoking can also increase the risk of periodontitis, as can poor dental hygiene.
Complications can arise from root cavities, so you need to get treatment for them. In fact, don’t delay in seeking treatment, as the tooth decay that caused your cavity may continue to spread and may cause more damage.
Tooth decay can spread to the tissues in the center of your tooth, known as the pulp. If this happens, you may need to have a root canal to remove the damaged or dead pulp, clean out all the small canals in your tooth, and seal your tooth.
Unless you need a root canal, your treatment for a root cavity shouldn’t be much different than treatments for other types of cavities. A dentist will remove the damaged area and then place a filling, which can be made from a variety of materials.
However, if the damage is deep enough, the dentist may recommend a root canal. If you have a root canal, they may also cover the tooth with a crown afterward. Crowns are often used to cover significant tooth damage and can strengthen the rest of the tooth.
The best treatment is prevention. Practicing good dental hygiene can reduce the risk of tooth decay, including root cavities.
Fluoride is a very effective weapon in the battle to prevent cavities and tooth decay. ONE 2020 systematic review of research found that professional fluoride treatments and self-applied fluoride treatments, such as a daily fluoride mouthwash, can be very effective in reducing root cavities.
You should also brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day after eating or drinking.
Here are some other ways to prevent root cavities:
Root cavities can develop before you know it. You need to be especially careful if you’re older, as you’re more at risk of developing root cavities in general.
In fact, if you know you’re at increased risk of developing root cavities for any reason, talk to a dentist about the best combination of preventative treatments and professional exams to reduce your risk and catch any problems early.
