The tooth root sits below the gumline and helps anchor the tooth in the jawbone. An exposed root, which may poke through the gum, can indicate damage to the gums or teeth. When a tooth root is no ...

An exposed tooth root can be uncomfortable to deal with. It may cause sharp pain and sensitivity when you’re brushing your teeth and when you’re eating foods that are hot, cold, sweet, sour, or spicy.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage the enamel on the surface of your teeth. Dentists call the damage “caries,” but most people refer to the holes that result in ...