Many people struggle with the problem of sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth react to abrasive substances and hot or cold temperatures that normally do not bother the average person. You may also have trouble with certain brands of toothpaste, experiencing shooting pain from the tooth to the nerve whenever you brush your teeth. The problem could cause difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene. Fortunately, manufacturers have created special toothpaste products for consumers who have this problem.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth can develop for a wide variety of reasons. A common reason for sensitive teeth is genetics. A person with a perfectly healthy set of teeth can have an undesirable reaction to a toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients.
Another reason that the person may have sensitive teeth is an illness. A person who has excessive plaque buildup, tooth decay, infection, cracked teeth, or gum disease could have sensitive teeth. Such conditions would require the person to see specialists as quickly as possible, however, a special toothpaste can help while he or she waits for the next doctor’s visit.
How Does Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth Work?
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth doesn’t contain abrasive ingredients and chemicals. Sensitive teeth toothpastes also contain chemicals that can create numbness in the tubules of the teeth’s dentin, or the middle layer of the tooth. Potassium nitrate has characteristics that calm the teeth’s nerves.
Another ingredient that you may find in a sensitive toothpaste is strontium chloride, which directly blocks the dentin’s tubules. These ingredients make it easier for a person to maintain proper dental hygiene by allowing him or her to freely brush without experiencing pain and discomfort.
How Should I Choose a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth?
Several sensitive teeth toothpastes are on the market and have varying prices. Sensodyne, Arm & Hammer Sensitive, and Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste are just a few of the popular brands. Natural toothpastes such as Weleda and Jason Healthy Mouth Toothpaste exist as well.
Shopping for sensitive toothpaste should be the same as the procedure for shopping for any other consumer product. You should examine the ingredients in the toothpaste to ensure that you are choosing the ingredients that will address your sensitivity problem. You will want to read consumer reviews to see if the product worked for other consumers with sensitive teeth. Take note of comments about the product’s taste and effectiveness. Additionally, you will want to visit the toothpaste manufacturer’s website to learn more about the company and the product. Because pricing may be a factor in your final choice, you should compare at least three toothpaste products.
Featured Image Source: DepositPhotos / © Tomfreeze