Sensitive Toothpaste
Sensitive Toothpaste
Tooth sensitivity is a real pain. From hot soup to cold ice cream to sweet fruits and sour candy, you might experience sharp pains in your teeth from the temperature and sweetness of foods. This is called dentin hypersensitivity, and it makes eating and drinking painful and downright depressing. But with the help of a desensitizing toothpaste, you can start to enjoy some of those foods that have been off-limits because of your teeth.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are a number of underlying conditions that could be causing your tooth sensitivity, and you should visit your dentist to find out if there is dental work that needs to be done to fix the problem. Enamel loss and receding gumlines are common causes of tooth sensitivity. However, if your teeth, or a specific location, are incredibly sensitive, you could have a cavity or abscessed tooth that needs immediate treatment. Teeth whitening treatments can also cause tooth sensitivity because of the bleaching agents found in them. If the sensitivity comes on quickly and hasn't been addressed before by your dentist, pay them a visit before trying a sensitive toothpaste to lessen your symptoms.
How Does Desensitizing Toothpaste Work?
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride or strontium chloride. They stop up the tiny tunnels in your teeth that travel to your nerve and effectively block the pain signals. Stannous fluoride is probably the most effective desensitizing agent, and it rates low on the "hazard" scale by the Environmental Working Group, which keeps a database on the safety of commonly used chemicals, so it is safe to use without issue.
To make the most of using a sensitive toothpaste, be sure to implement appropriate oral hygiene strategies. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and also floss to remove any food particles left behind. You should also have regular dental check-ups, including cleanings every six months or as often as your dentist recommends. Relief will not come overnight--it can take up to a month to experience any progress from introducing a sensitive toothpaste to your brushing regimen.