What To Know About Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste

Do you have sensitive teeth, and are wondering if you should start using sensitive teeth toothpaste? If so, you're likely wondering how this toothpaste works and if it is worth it.

Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste Works For Cold Sensitivity

People have sensitive teeth for a variety of reasons. They may be extremely sensitive when they visit the dentist and have their teeth cleaned, or experience discomfort when they are eating their favorite food or beverage. However, know that sensitive teeth toothpaste is going to work best for issues surrounding cold sensitivity. 

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot or sweet foods, it is likely that you have a problem with a dying nerve within your tooth or tooth decay. Sensitive teeth toothpaste isn't going to work, and you should visit your dentist to investigate the problem further. 

Cold sensitivity is more likely to happen due to gum recession, which will expose new parts of your teeth that can be more sensitive. 

Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste Requires Two Main Ingredients

When selecting a toothpaste for your sensitive teeth, you'll want to look for a brand that carries the ADA accepted seal to know that you are getting a high-quality toothpaste. However, it can take several years for a new product to get this seal of approval from the ADA, and it is not always an indicator that gives you 100% certainty that the toothpaste will work well. The seal simply says that the toothpaste meets the claims that the toothpaste says it does. 

You'll want to make sure that any toothpaste you get for sensitive teeth has fluoride and potassium nitrate. These two ingredients play a role in remineralizing your enamel and protecting those pores of your teeth that cause the cold temperatures to reach your tooth nerves.

Whitening Toothpaste Can Cause More Sensitivity 

It's also important to avoid whitening toothpastes since they will only cause your teeth to be more sensitive due to the peroxide that the toothpaste contains. It is going to have the opposite effect that you desire by causing more sensitivity. 

If you've seen toothpaste that says they whiten and desensitize your teeth, know that this is to help people that get sensitive teeth from using whitening toothpaste to help cancel the whitening effects out in a way. It will not help you deal with current sensitivity. 

Reach out to a dentist such as Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA for more info about treating your sensitive teeth.