Root Caries
In patients with advanced gingival recession or periodontal disease, the tooth roots become progressively more exposed as gums recede, increasing the vulnerability to caries.
Etiology
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- Â In the presence of caries-causing bacteria and a diet high in sugars, caries can develop easily and progress rapidly.
- Roots do not have protective enamel like crowns of teeth, so caries progresses rapidly in the roots.
Preventive Measures & Treatment
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- Regular dental visits to remove plaque accumulation and reinforce appropriate home care.
- Lesions can be prevented or arrested using fluoride containing toothpaste, fluoride gels, varnish, or silver diamine fluoride.
- Chlorhexidine-Thymol varnish 1:1 mixture of may be efficacious in prevention of root caries.
- Sucrose-free chewing gum containing xylitol only or xylitol lozenges may be used as adjunctive therapy for adults at higher risk of caries.
- Advanced lesions require restoration or extraction.
Two examples of extensive gingival recession with root exposure and carious lesions
Robert Henry, DMD, MPH
John McDowell, DDS
References
Nonfluoride caries-preventive agents. Executive summary of evidence-based clinical recommendations. JADA. 2011; 142(9);1065-1071.
Baca P, Clavero J, Baca AP, et al. Effect of chlorhexidine-thymol varnish on root caries in a geriatric population: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. J Dent. 2009; 37(9):679-85.