---
title: "What Is Cementum? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Cementum is the thin, hard tissue that covers the root of a tooth. It gives the fibers of the periodontal ligament a place to attach."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Anatomy

# Cementum

Cementum is the thin, hard tissue that covers the root of a tooth. It gives the fibers of the periodontal ligament a place to attach.

Cementum is a hard connective tissue that covers the outside of the [tooth root](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-root), below the gumline. It is softer than [enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel). The fibers of the [periodontal ligament](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontal-ligament) attach to it. Those fibers hold the tooth in its socket.

Because cementum is soft, it wears and decays more easily than enamel. This matters when gums pull back and expose the root. Exposed roots are more sensitive to hot and cold, and they can develop root decay.

Regular dental visits let your dentist watch for gum loss and root problems early.

## Related terms

-   [Dentin](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dentin)
-   [Tooth root](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-root)
-   [Periodontal ligament](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontal-ligament)
-   [Gum recession](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-recession)
-   [Root decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-decay)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Tooth](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tooth)
2.  [American Dental Association: Glossary of Dental Terms](https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt/glossary-dental-terms)

## Ready when you are

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