Root sensitivity treatment
Root sensitivity is treated by controlling the cause and covering or calming exposed dentine.
The short answer
Root sensitivity is treated by controlling the cause and covering or calming exposed dentine. A dentist may recommend desensitising fluoride, a bonding material over the exposed root, gum treatment, or treatment of decay, a crack, or an inflamed pulp.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The visible crown is covered by enamel, while the root is covered by cementum and normally protected by gum and supporting bone. When dentine tubules become exposed, cold, touch, air, or sweet foods can move fluid in the tubules and trigger a brief nerve response.
What can you do next?
Use a soft brush with gentle pressure and fluoride toothpaste, clean along the gum margin, and reduce repeated acidic drinks or foods. Do not scrub the exposed area or stop cleaning it, because plaque can worsen gum inflammation and sensitivity.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination if sensitivity is new, localised, severe, lingering, associated with biting pain, or not improving. Swelling, spontaneous pain, or a broken tooth can indicate a problem beyond simple exposed-root sensitivity.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether recession, abrasion, erosion, decay, a crack, or pulp inflammation is responsible. Ask which desensitising treatment is appropriate and whether the exposed root needs bonding or gum coverage.