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Sensodyne Toothpaste

The original sensitive toothpaste and Sensodyne Pronamel

Sensodyne toothpaste helps if you have sensitive teeth from a receding gumline or tooth abfrations.

Sensodyne Pronamel is designed to prevent acid erosion of your enamel.

Here's how these three conditions are related...

When your gums recede, the roots of your teeth are exposed. Because roots don't have enamel protecting them, they can be sensitive.

Acid erosion is caused by acidic foods or liquids, Health conditions such as acid reflux and the eating disorder bulemia can also cause enamel to erode.

Another cause of sensitive teeth is abfraction. Abfractions are small notches or grooves at the gumline commonly caused by clenching or grinding.

Having any one of these three tooth problems makes your teeth more vulnerable to the other two...

Any of these conditions can cause your teeth to be sensitive to cold, sweets, or being touched...or you can have abfraction, erosion, or receded gums without tooth sensitivity.

If you have any of these tooth troubles, it is good to find out what is causing them so they don't progress.

Toothpastes and other products can help if your teeth are sensitive, your dentist can help determine if you need more than toothpaste.

Your choices...

It seems everyone is making a sensitive teeth toothpaste these days.

The good news: competition has brought the price down.

The bad news: now there are so many choices in this category...that's not really so bad just takes a little more time to find the best toothpaste.

The key toothpaste ingredients for sensitivity are:

potassium nitrate
fluoride ion

Sensodyne toothpaste has both. Just look under active ingredients on the label.

Some other sensitive toothpaste brands and their active ingredients are:

Crest sensitivity maximum strength - potassium nitrate
Crest pro-health - fluoride ion
Crest pro-health sensitivity - potassium nitrate and fluoride ion
Colgate sensitive enamel protect - potassium nitrate and fluoride ion
Aquafresh sensitive maximum strength - potassium nitrate
Arm and Hammer sensitive (baking soda toothpaste) potassium nitrate

More details...

Sensitive toothpastes have to be used for at least 2 weeks before noticing improvement. Fluoride also improves tooth sensitivity. Using

ACT Mouthwash is another way to improve sensitive teeth.

If you have sensitive teeth be sure to have a dental check up. Some tooth sensitivity indicates a dental problem that requires treatment. Sensitive toothpaste or fluoride probably wont help if you have:

tooth pain when biting
sensitivity to hot things
a tooth that hurts spontaneously
teeth that ache and don't recover quickly

These are all good reasons to see your dentists or dental hygienist.

While we are on the subject...

If you have sensitive teeth from receded gums, abfraction, or erosion, you might need more than just sensitive toothpaste. Some tooth abfractions and erosions can be repaired with a tooth colored filling.

Repairing them prevents further damage and makes them less sensitive...They look prettier too:)

Both receded gumline and abfraction can be caused by clenching and grinding your teeth and made worse by brushing too hard or using an abrasive toothpaste. Here is a list of commonly used toothpastes and their RDA (relative dentin abrasiveness).

A teeth grinding gaurd or night gaurd will help to prevent further damage. Always best to fix the source of the problem...not just treat the symptoms:)

A note of thanks...

"I just wanted to write and say thanks for all the great info on this site.
What I thought was going to be 'doom and gloom' turned out to be very pleasant and hopeful; delivered in a non-judgemental, friendly format.

You have caused me to feel optimistic that I can turn things around."