Tooth sensitivity is quite common among people nowadays. Both youngsters and adults can suffer from it. However, the severity of the problem can vary. Some people have only a mild case of sensitivity and only feel it when they eat something too hot or cold. Others may feel more discomfort — it may affect their daily routines.
The Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
The causes of sensitive teeth can vary from person to person. Typically, tooth sensitivity is caused by worn tooth enamel and gum recession. Other problems such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease can also cause tooth discomfort. This is why you should go for dental care at the dentist’s office regularly.
What is the Best Toothpaste for Sensitivity?
You can get treatments for alleviating the symptoms of tooth sensitivity both in the dentist’s office and at home.
At home, you can pay attention to the type of toothpaste you are using. Some brands contain special ingredients that can help with tooth sensitivity. Potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride are two ingredients to look for.
According to dental experts, a toothpaste with potassium nitrate soothes the nerves inside your teeth, preventing them from sending pain signals in response to triggers such as a burst of cold air or hot coffee. Meanwhile, a stannous fluoride toothpaste acts as a shield to protect the exposed soft, inner part of the tooth known as dentin. This shield works to keep pain-causing agents, such as cold, at bay.
Here are three toothpaste brands to try:
Sensodyne
Sensodyne offers several options, all of which are specifically designed for sensitive teeth. All of their toothpaste products contain one of the two important ingredients: potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which offer the benefits as explained above.
Colgate
Colgate sensitive toothpaste products contain all of the same ingredients as regular toothpaste, but with the addition of special ingredients that block the tubules in the dentin, preventing sensitivity triggers from accessing the nerves in your teeth.
The toothpaste contains stannous fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and sensitivity. Meanwhile, Colgate Sensitive toothpaste contains potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity and sodium fluoride to help with cavity prevention.
Hello
The active ingredient potassium nitrate in Hello Sensitivity Relief Fluoride toothpaste is found at the highest level permitted by the FDA. Aloe is another key ingredient in this toothpaste. The company explains that aloe Vera gel has been found to be just as effective as, if not more than, two commercial toothpaste products at cleaning teeth. Aloe Vera is non-abrasive and soothing, making it an excellent tooth cleaner for those who suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Professional Dental Care in Chula Vista, California
If you have tooth sensitivity that you are unable to resolve with dental care at home, then it is time you should seek professional help. Visit our office or call us today to book an appointment with Dr. Nick Addario.