This photograph is a scanning electron micrograph image of the junction between enamel and cementum (root surface).

When someone has glue recession, the root surfaces are exposed. While enamel is like glass, the root surface is similar a sponge. In fact, root surfaces are 11x softer than enamel and thus more than susceptible to cavities once exposed in the oral fissure. One time you get a cavity on the root surface of a tooth (we call this "root caries"), you could be heading toward eventual loss of the tooth. Fillings exercise not piece of work likewise or concluding as long on root surfaces considering these surfaces are much softer than enamel. The bond between the filling and tooth is lost much faster. This leads to staining, bacterial leakage, and recurrent decay.

The only and best way to preclude root cavities is FLUORIDE… and the best time to place it is immediately after your teeth take been cleaned thoroughly because in the next 24 hours a motion picture of bacteria volition naturally coat your teeth which is what causes cavities to start.

We used to have those awful trays that held the fluoride in your rima oris for ane to four minutes… I can however remember sitting in the chair equally a child dreading the end of my dental appointment – the hygienist would put ii gigantic trays in my mouth, mitt me the suction, and and so go out for what seemed like an eternity! We are fortunate today to take clear fluoride varnish handling. It is fast interim to seal those root surfaces, tastes bully, and requires only about 60 seconds to utilise. I personally never have a cleaning without immediately applying fluoride after.

Merely how prevalent is root caries anyhow?

  • In the 45-55 age group, 28% volition have more than one root surface filling
  • In the 55-65 age group, this jumps to 47%
  • The average developed is on multiple medications, of which the #one side upshot is dry out mouth… these patients have a higher caries risk.
  • Recurrent decay on root restorations is very loftier

If you are someone who is susceptible to cavities and/or has exposed root surfaces (gum recession), nosotros strongly recommend fluoride treatment later on your cleaning visit.