Root decay is a growing problem with an ageing population. As people live longer their gums can receded for a number of reasons including a lifetime of brushing. The roots of your teeth that are exposed by the receding of the gums don't have the same level of protection as the enameled crowns of your teeth.
Receding gums unveil a tooth's roots that don't have the same hard enamel coating found on teeth. Rather, your roots are covered by cementum, which anchors the tooth to the jawbone. Plenty of problems come with the exposure of cementum -- it's yellow in color, making for a less attractive smile. But the real tragedy is that cementum is not designed to protect the tooth like enamel and can leave exposed roots more susceptible to decay.
To make matters worse, root decay is good at hiding out. Root decay lurks along the gum line or in between teeth where it's hard to detect with the naked eye. Although you may not feel any pain, there are some telltale signs to look for -- tooth discoloration or "notches" at the gum line are often symptoms of root decay. However, X-rays are the only way to accurately locate any decay between teeth.
The best protection against root decay is regular visits to the dentist to keep track of exposed cementum. Regular cleanings and dental x-rays can help keep track of any decay that might be beginning. Otherwise, the regular brushing, flossing and avoiding sugary snacks are the best preventive medicine against root decay.
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