Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2025 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The recommended type of dentifrice for patients with exposed root surfaces is low abrasive dentifrices. This is because exposed root surfaces are more susceptible to mechanical wear and sensitivity due to the underlying dentin being much softer than enamel.

Low abrasive dentifrices are specifically designed to clean teeth effectively while minimizing enamel and dentin abrasion. This is important for protecting exposed roots, which can be sensitive to thermal changes, acidic foods, and mechanical irritation.

While fluoride-rich dentifrices do provide additional protection against caries by promoting remineralization, their abrasiveness is still a critical factor. High abrasive dentifrices can increase sensitivity or cause further damage to already vulnerable areas of exposed roots. Charcoal-based dentifrices, although marketed for whitening and detoxifying benefits, often have unknown effects on tooth and gum health, and they may also be more abrasive, which could aggravate the condition of exposed root surfaces. Therefore, low abrasive dentifrices strike the best balance between effective cleaning and protecting sensitive, exposed areas.