---
title: "What Is Root decay? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Root decay is a cavity on the root surface of a tooth, usually where the gum has pulled back. Roots decay more easily than enamel."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-decay
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Root decay

Root decay is a cavity on the root surface of a tooth, usually where the gum has pulled back. Roots decay more easily than enamel.

Root decay is a cavity on the root of a tooth. It often follows [gum recession](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-recession). When gums pull away from the teeth, the roots are exposed to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with [cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum), a softer tissue than [enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel). They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold.

It is common for people over age 50 to have tooth-root decay. Dry mouth from medicines can add to the risk. Decay around the edges of old fillings is also common in older adults.

Careful brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth help. So do regular dental visits. A dentist can check the roots at an exam and repair decay with a dental filling when needed. Our office describes this on its [dental fillings page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings).

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings)

## Related terms

-   [Gum recession](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-recession)
-   [Cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum)
-   [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries)
-   [Dental filling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-filling)
-   [Dry mouth (xerostomia)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-mouth-xerostomia)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Cavities](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/cavities)
2.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Cavities](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/cavities)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)