Is Sensodyne toothpaste causing tooth sensitivity?

by Damian
(Australia)

Hey, I have really good teeth and never had any fillings or sensitivity issues however Ive been using a different toothpaste - Sensodyne original toothpaste (not the whitening one) over this last week and I swear my teeth are actually feeling more sensitive after having used it?

Is it possible that sensitive toothpaste can have the opposite effect on people without sensitive teeth? I know it sounds stupid but im sure its the toothpaste ive never had sore teeth my whole life!

Is this doing my teeth damage? should I stop using it or?




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Is Sensodyne toothpaste causing tooth sensitivity?

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lucky Save
by: Ciara

Dang judging by the comments I was lucky to check out this stuff online before I used it. I bought the repair and protect product today since I chipped a back molar last night and wanted to make sure it would be fine even though my teeth arent sensitive, but after seeing this the blasted toothpaste is going in the bin!!! Theres £3.99 wasted on useless over merchandised junk.
Thanks for the heads up I'm sticking with Colgate!!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		More pain than the dentist!
by: Paul F

I have been using Sensodyne Repair and protect toothpaste for only 2 days, and as soon as it hits my sensitive teeth I am in agony. No other toothpaste has done this! The pain lasts throughout the day, and also makes my teeth more sensitive.

Like others I thought this was the product 'working', but now having read this I will be stopping it's use immediately!

Beware this product!

Paul from Dorset, UK.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What a relief !!
by: Anonymous

I started using sensodyne about a year ago and recently stopped. I had some sensitivity to begin with so I picked up this toothpaste to see if it worked, and at first it seemed like it did, but as time went on more teeth became sensitive, and I said to myself "I have to stay on this toothpaste for the rest of my life now." When I look back I should have seen the signs. When I first started using it about once a week my gums and cheeks would peel and skin would come off. I thought that was normal do to changing toothpastes, but I found out that it shouldn't do that. Later I started getting these little white bumps on my gums, the sensitivity just got more worse, then later on my gums started burning I didn't know why because I brushed my teeth and flossed everyday. So I went to the dentist because I thought I had a million cavities in my mouth, turns out I didn't have any. I continued to use sensodyne and started to brush 3 times a day. The pain got more worse and my mouth also became terribly dry and my lips were just as bad. The burning and dryness and pain got worse. Then one day I happened to try a natural toothpaste for the heck of it, but I was scared that my sensitivity might be even more worse if stopped sensodyne. Then the next morning I woke up and it was like I knew what it felt like to be "normal" again. My gums were in ecstasy and my teeth felt to great. My gums where not hard and the sensitivity in my teeth totally went away, no burning. I wished I would have known what this toothpaste was doing to me, and I know this may sound ridiculous but I think sensodyne caused me to go a little mental and experience anxiety issues for some reason. I will never touch sensodyne again EVER! I have no idea what's in it that caused all of that and can't believe I went though it as long as I did. My mind, teeth, and gums are healthy again. What a relief.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hell for saxophone players
by: Bob Caldwell

I began to have extreme sensitivity affecting a tooth which had been crowned. Being right at the front it rests on the upper surface of a reed instrument, in my case a saxophone. The vibrations cause a horrible sensation, making playing impossible. Panicking, on account of forthcoming engagements, I booked a dental appointment, but began to wonder if Sensodyne toothpaste was having a reverse effect to that intended. I am in the very early stages of withdrawing from its use, so have no improvement to report, but I am amazed and relieved to discover this highly plausible explanation. I hope to be able to cancel the appointment, but will discuss the use of the product with the dentist.
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starstarstarstarstar 		wow!
by: Anonymous

I was recommended by a dentist to use the same toothpaste 5 years ago. I never did listen as I was 19. Lol. Only sensitivity I had since the dentist was really not being able to eat ice and ice cream or sweets. This year 2012 (maybe this past couple months) I switched to sensodyne pronamel and I can feel my teeth and gums so sensitive to everything even hot.I breath in air and I feel the cold. Today I discovered a hole in my tooth I hope it wasn't the toothpaste. But I must say I couldn't buy the toothpaste twice and it seem like my teeth and gums where not doing well with "cheaper" toothpaste. I don't eat sweets or anything too cold. Idk I just can't believe how much more sensitive my gums and teeth are now.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Not just me, then!
by: Gummybear

I've used Sensodyne Repair & Protect for a couple of weeks now, and right from the start it made me wince every time it touched my teeth. I thought it was the product starting to work on the exposed nerve endings and assumed the severe pain was going to gradually lessen as the paste started to repair the enamel. However, since it is no better, I decided to search online to see if anyone else has had this problem, and was shocked at the number of comments. I was prepared to persevere until I read about the lasting effects, and now have decided to stop using it before the problem worsens. Thanks everybody for sharing your views, I hope this site proves helpful to others who find it! 14/4/2012.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sensodyne Hell!
by: Anonymous

Same problem as everyone describes - one tooth with slight sensitivity pain, free Sensodyne samples from Dr. Feelgood and pain spreads to the gums and several teeth adjacent to the problem one. Sounds like a homeopathic reaction (opposite result from introduction of something into the system - in this case, supposedly anti-sensitivity agent stimulates the body's defensews to make the treated area more sensitive) more than an allopathic one (supposedly anti-sensitivity agent reduces sensitivity at the site). Told Dr. Feelgood asbout it and asked if he'd ever heard of Sensodyne making teeth more sensitive and he seemed baffled. I'll bring him printouts of these comments. Pain so bad now that I need a crown at the least, if not a root canal 5 weeks after being prescribed Sensodyne!

BTW, avoid ALL pastes with Potassium Nitrate, the agent that supposedly reduces the sensitivity, as I've even tried Tom's of Maine (supposedly all-natural, though it still contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) sensitive toothpaste and gotten the same reaction. Better to try plain old toothpastes and live with the occasional pain in one tooth than a mouthful of troubles. Others have asked, and the question is valid: How is this garbage legal to be marketed and sold as an anti-sensitivity toothpaste?!?

reply by admin

Thanks for your comment. I'm sorry you and the others have had this problem. it sounds so miserable. I don't know why sensodyne has made your teeth and gums hurt. I tend to think it is some type of allergic reaction.

It wouldn't hurt to let your dentist know about this thread of comments but keep in mind that this is a smalls percentage compared to the millions of people who use Sensodyne products with good results.

After almost 30 years of practicing dental hygiene, I had no idea this problem existed until someone wrote to me about it. None of my clients have ever reported this problem. Your dentist is not wrong for recommending it.

While this thread is a valuable resource for those who are having problems with Sensodyne, a bad reaction to a product does not make it a bad product for everyone.

I agree, you should avoid all sensitivity toothpastes as they all have the same active ingredients, and use a fluoride mouthwash or gel.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		PROBLEM WITH SENSODYNE TOOTHPASTE
by: Anonymous

Yes I have also used Sensodyne toothpaste over the last 2 weeks and I have severe toothache on several of my teeth. what is in this paste ?
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starstarstarstarstar 		wat is da solution????????
by: Anonymous

i have been a victim! i tried for curiosity(change or cool adverts) for 4 days, my gums start hurting. i stopped but still hurts. help!!!!!!!!!!!

reply by admin

I like fluoride rinse or gel to improve tooth sensitivity. It adds cavity protection too. You can try ACT Fluoride Mouthwash or Colgate Prevident. Prevident is prescription strength so you may need to purchase it from your dentist.

Remember that it will take some time to improve your tooth sensitivity.

Benefits of Fluoride

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Add One More
by: Anonymous

My dental hygienist recently gave me a sample tube of Sensodyne in preparation for some teeth whitening. I have used it for about 2 weeks now and have noticed over the past few nights that my teeth feel like the nerves are completely exposed. Everything checked out fine with the dentist, and the only change is the toothpaste. Looks like I'll be pitching what's left and going back to my old brand.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Excruciating Pain
by: Anonymous

So glad to read all of this! What in the world is this product??? I have used it a few days this week and now I am in almost constant pain! It's horrible! All of my teeth hurt-- I am afraid to eat! I have stopped using this product now, but how long will it take for my teeth to stop hurting completely? This is like a nightmare and the worst pain I have ever felt, and I have even given birth naturally- (no joke) Childbirth wasn't this painful! Help!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Nightmare
by: Anonymous

So I've read over all of these comments and I am also experiencing an extremely high sensitivity after using sensodyne for almost a month. Since I stopped using the product, the sensitivity has been increasing daily. So when is it going to stop - am I going to have to live this way for the rest of my life? Oh my goodness - what has this product done to my teeth? Why is the product still on the shelf???
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ouch!
by: Cathy

I just used the sample-sized tube of Sensodyne that my dentist gave me for an overnight trip and it made my teeth hurt terribly at the gum-line. My teeth were ultra sensitive for several days on both sides all around my mouth. I couldn't use my Sonicare toothbrush - I had to hand-brush very softly. I couldn't help but wonder if there's an ingredient that causes sensitivity. It was extremely painful.
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starstarstarstarstar 		ME TOO!
by: del bird

i had some issues with a few sensitive back teeth so i started using sensodyne pronamel - and within days the sensitivity to ALL my teet (not the gums, but my teeth) became horrendous - hot, cold, warm, breathing - it made my teeth hurt like hell. after a month thinking OMG my teeth are in a state, i stopped and switched back to colgate - im a few days into using my old toothpaste and already my teeth are settling down. im aware i have a tooth at the back of my mouth that needs work, but i'll get that sorted. sensodyne is dreadful evil stuff....and im so glad i found others who experienced the same - until i did a bit of research and landed here i thought i was going a bit insane....
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		sensitive after quitting
by: Shannon

I've been using Sensodyne for a few years with no real problems. I used it because of sensitivity in one tooth.
Then this past week I ran out of Sensodyne and I used some other toothpaste. Just today my teeth all started being extremely sensitive to pressure and cold. I felt like I had cavities spring up in all of my teeth all at the same time. And now I'm reading of other people having a similar experience.
I'm going to see how long this unusual sensitivity lasts, I hate the idea of being addicted to a particular toothpaste!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Maybe it's marketing?
by: Alexis

I have had slightly sensitive teeth but no enough to effect my everyday life. When I heard about Sensodyne I just figured yeah I can do without the pain, and it worked great!

Until I ran out and stopped.

Once I ran out of sensodyne and switched back to my regular the pain was excruciating and I currently am drinking all cold beverages through a straw to avoid any. Intact with m teeth.

It has been suggested to me that companies will sometimes include ingridents that activate the problems hey were mean to solve if you discontinue there product. I don't know about this instance but I have researched and found it in deodrent which upon discontinuing activates the very glands that cause you sweat and make perspire more often and with stronger odor.

Just my thaughts.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sensitivity after discontinued use
by: Kyla

I had a similar problem. Except I had minor sensitivity before I started using sensodyne. My teeth seemed about as sensitive as they were before, so I stopped buying it. The next day with the use of my regular tooth paste was like hell. EXTREME sensitivity that took weeks to end. As long as I take care of my teeth, I don't think they mind what paste I use (as long as it isn't Sensodyne)!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tooth/Gum Pain
by: Victoria

It was recommended to me to use by dental hygenist and I used it for about a month. Thank goodness it was the little sample size.
Now my teeth and gums are killing me! I'm throwing it away and going back to my regular toothpaste. Hopefully the pain will go away. I've been taking advil for the pain.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sensodine does make your teeth more sensitive
by: Anonymous

My father and I both had this issue with sensodine original toothpaste. Before using it I had been using the pro enamel toothpaste which seemed to work but, as soon as I tried sensodine my teeth began aching with everything. I can't even eat pancakes anymore without having excruciating pain and cold beverages are horrendous to try and swallow. It has to be the toothpaste because I just went to the dentist and they did not find any cavities or anything. Also, I switched a while back to regular toothpaste and it seems to be taking forever for my teeth to stop aching.
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starstarstarstarstar 		It's not just Sensodyne
by: Lisa

I've been using Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief for a couple months now and the sensitivity has gotten much worse instead of better. I was going to try switching to Sensodyne Pro-Enamel but after reading all these comments I think I'll go back to my old toothpaste for awhile and see if things get better. My sensitivity was quite minor before, now I can't eat or drink anything cold without incredible pain. I'll be seeing my dentist if the switch doesn't help. So glad I found this site, I was starting to think I was crazy for believing that the toothpaste was making things worse.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		same
by: Anonymous

I too have been having crazy sensitivity problems AFTER using sensodyne pronamel. I've been rubbing it on my teeth bc I THINK this will help....until I read this!!! Forget that stupid toothpaste. Its in the trash.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sensodyne's not repairing and protecting
by: Alex

I was using the normal Sensodyne toothpaste for over a year and it worked just fine, had no sensitivity. Then I started using Sensodyne's Repair and Protect toothpaste, and found that some of my teeth were sensitive towards it.Been using it for a month now, and a few more teeth of mine have become extremely sensitive towards the toothpaste!!It's horrible and I wonder why!! Looks like many people are having this problem. Gotta try switching back to the normal toothpaste dy.
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starstarstarstarstar 		I'm surprised!
by: Shelly ~ admin

I have to admit that I have been surprised at all the comments about Sensodyne making teeth sensitive.

Just to be fair, I should add that it does work well for some people but obviously not all:)

Thankfully, for those who have a problem with Sensodyne, there are many other sensitive toothpaste brands to choose from.

Or...

Fluoride also helps with sensitive teeth.

If you have sensitive teeth, be sure to have a complete dental check-up to make sure you don't have any dental problems that need treatment.

Here is an article with more information on Sensodyne and other sensitivity toothpastes.

Sensodyne Toothpaste

Thanks to everyone for commenting:)


Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tooth paste
by: Anonymous

I have used sensodyne for abour a month now. It relieves the pain I have in my gums for about 10 minutes. Is there another tooth paste or something else I can try since gabapentin doesn't seem to be working?
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ouch!
by: Meg

I started using Sensodyne ProNamel a little over a month ago just for kicks. I thought I was doing my enamel some good. Just this week I noticed my teeth and gums gradually becoming REALLY sensitive. It started in my back teeth and moved to the front teeth, and through my jaw. I don't even have to be eating anything, my teeth just seem to hurt. I started doing some research online thinking maybe it could be the toothpaste and found a lot of information like I did on this site. I stopped using the toothpaste tonight and am hoping the sensitivity will go away in a week or so. I'm booking an apt with my dentist soon just to be sure, but I will NEVER buy this stuff again.
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starstarstarstarstar 		YES!!!
by: Anonymous

I have a few molars that really hurt when I drink cold drinks or try to eat fruit so I began using Sensodyne and it made every single one of my teeth (TEETH, not gums) hurt. And I mean, to the point where I couldn't draw a breath without them feeling like open wounds. Even my front teeth! (Which do not have dental work done to them.) I stopped using Sensodyne and that sensitivity went away. I still have that original sensitivity on my molars but I guess I'll live with it until I can afford the dental work.
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starstarstarstarstar 		OMG
by: Michael

Seriously, I hope that you lot are not correct, because I invested in this tooth paste because a couple of my teeth have been very pressure and touch sensitive since dental work was done. I purchased Sensodyne Repair and Protect due to it's claims to remineralise the surfaces of the teeth, thus curing the problem of exposed nerves altogether. I hope I don't develop problems, because since using this paste, I have had a dotty feeling tongue and peeling gums. Hmmmm!
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starstarstarstarstar 		More pain!!!!
by: Anonymous

1/12/2011
My husband & I have both been using sensodyne repair & protect for several weeks and have both commented on how our teeth feel more sensitive......I feel as though mine are on edge all the time.
Last night I reverted back to normal toothpaste - the feeling of sensitivity was gone.
I will not be using any other sensodyne products.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sensodyne sucks
by: Anonymous

I have had the exact same problem. My dentist recommended it to me for a chipped tooth i have in the very back of my mouth that hurts when cold air hits it, causing headaches. She gave me a sample/travel size to begin using. I used it for barely two weeks and stopped because it does not do a very good job at cleaning your teeth. After stopping it, I have noticed that my teeth have been hurting at the very tips. It is irritating and constant. I do not even have to eat something for them to feel over sensitive. I think I'd much rather deal with the once in a blue moon sensitive tooth than a constant sensitivity felt by each of my teeth.
Furthermore, this is not a result of poor dental hygiene,as i brush and floss (as I always have) morning and night.
My verdict: sensodyne makes the problem worse and seems to only be a money grab
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same
by: Anonymous

I have the same issue when I use the sensodyne enamel one. There has to be some truth to this if we are all having the same issue. And mine is definitely my teeth not my gums.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ditto
by: Oodathunkit

I was googling teeth more sensitive for sensodyne and found this page... I had a little sensitivity so decided to try sensodyne. To be fair I also tried other toothpastes which claim to help sensitive teeth and I have found that over the last 6 mnths it got worse and worse. I literally couldn't eat a gummy bear without searing pain. One week of using normal paste and I have no pain at all. Odd.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same
by: Anonymous

I had occasional sensitivity, tried Sensodyne. Found most of my teeth were sensitive a lot more frequently. After I discontinued use, teeth became less sensitive. I have read that Sensodyne is more abrasive. Don't know, but I can't recommend from my experience.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sensitivity has increased
by: Anonymous

I began having sensitivity with a filling a few months back. Usually it occurred when I drank a cold beverage, but not always.....I'd estimate once a week or less..... I decided to switch to sensodyne to help cure the problem but my teeth (all) have become extremely sensitive. Even my incisors hurt. This only happened after the switch.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sensodyne conspiracy
by: Sancy

I have the same problem. I googled my problem and it brought me here. I never ever had sensitive teeth, but after using Sensodyne, my teeth became extremely sensitive.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same here
by: Anonymous

Started using a sensitivity toothpaste and my teeth were sensitive. I switched to a regular toothpaste and the sensitivity disappeared.
Wow that seems like false advertising to me.

Keep smiling
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		me too
by: Anonymous

I have the same issue

Ive never had tooth sensitivity issues but now when I drink hot drink its very sensitive...only since using Sensodyne..enamel repair
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Reaction to Sensodyne Toothpaste
by: Shelly

Hi Damian, I have never heard of Sensodyne causing tooth sensitivity.

Is it your teeth or your gums that hurt? If it's your gums, you may be reacting to something in the toothpaste.....sort of like an allergy. Sensitivity to certain toothpaste ingredients is not unusual. It can cause gum soreness, sometimes it even causes gum tissue sloughing (peeling) like you peel after a sunburn.

Abrasive toothpastes can cause tooth sensitivity but Sensodyne is not abraisive.

I would stop using it and see if the problem goes away. If you don't have sensitive teeth you don't need it anyway.

~Shelly~

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