Riverside Dental

Riverside:
435-673-3363
Washington:
435-656-4441
Make An Appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact

How Does Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth Actually Work

February 23, 2021 By Riverside Dental Leave a Comment

How Does Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth Work

If you have sensitive teeth, you know tooth sensitivity is no fun. No one enjoys feeling pain when they consume something hot or cold. Thankfully, many products are available today to help reduce sensitivity so that eating and drinking aren’t so painful.

Sensitivity can range from minor to severe. Sometimes it’s a sign of something small, but other times, it can indicate a more significant problem. Sensitivity is a good reason for calling your dentist and scheduling an appointment, but understanding a little bit more about sensitivity can help you know the right time to call your dentist.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

In a healthy tooth, the crown’s outermost part is composed of a tough substance called enamel. The enamel layer is vital because it protects the softer, inside part of your tooth. If the enamel layer is worn away by grinding or compromised due to a chip or fracture line, you may feel some sensitivity in this area. Toothbrush abrasion can cause wear at the gum line, and this may lead to sensitivity. If you clench or grind your teeth, you might also feel sensitivity at or near the gum line, especially if the root surface is exposed.

Sensitivity seems to come and go, and exposure to hot or cold temperatures may create your sensitivity. It typically presents as sharp pain and usually goes away when a hot or cold irritant is removed.

If you notice pain that is constant or that there is throbbing, these symptoms are more typical signs of an infection. When we talk about sensitive toothpaste, we refer to reducing pain associated with sensitivity and not disease. If you believe that you have an infection, a chipped tooth, or that you are grinding your teeth, these may require different or additional treatment, and it would be best to call your dental office.

How Does Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth FactActually Work?

Sensitivity toothpaste works by diminishing the sensitivity associated with hot, cold, and even sometimes sweets. Sensitive toothpaste contains active ingredients that block the pain receptors that respond to heat, cold, and sugar.

Active ingredients found in sensitive toothpaste:

  • Potassium nitrate: works to calm nerves in our teeth and keep them from sending pain signals to the brain.
  • Stannous fluoride helps build a protective layer over vulnerable areas on our teeth, which protects us against sensitivity.

We recommend using toothpaste for sensitive teeth twice a day. It will take a few weeks of consistent use before you notice a change in your sensitivity symptoms. It isn’t recommended that you alternate with other kinds of toothpaste as non-sensitive kinds of toothpaste are more abrasive and remove the layer formed by the toothpaste for sensitivity.

What Toothpaste Is Best?

There are many good sensitive kinds of toothpaste available on the grocery store shelves today. It’s no wonder that it can feel a little overwhelming with so many options if you are just beginning your search for sensitive toothpaste. We suggest you look for a toothpaste with the active ingredient(s) listed above.

Most brands now carry toothpaste for sensitive teeth, so if there is a specific toothpaste brand that you prefer, we recommend starting your search in that brand. The cost of sensitive teeth toothpaste should be pretty similar to what other non-sensitive kinds of toothpaste cost, so you shouldn’t notice a huge change there.

Treating Sensitive Teeth At The Root Cause

When it comes to sensitivity, fixing the symptoms can be tiring. It may be in your best interest to put the sensitive toothpaste away and treat the root cause of your sensitive teeth. This may include fluoride treatments, gum grafting, bonding, a root canal, or a mouthguard.

If you have tried sensitive toothpaste for a few weeks with no improvement or would like more answers to your sensitivity, we suggest seeing your dentist at Riverside Dental Care. We are happy to help you get to the root cause.

Filed Under: Dental Hygiene Tips, General Dentistry

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Make An Appointment

Meet Riverside Dental Care

Let us be your St. George Dentist! As the premier St. George dental office, we work hard to make sure you enjoy your trip to the dentist by providing the most advanced dental care. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 435-673-3363 or click on the link above and fill out the Appointment Request Form.

Recent Blog Posts

  • Why Canker Sores Happen and What to do

    Ever bite your tongue or lip on accident and have a sore...
  • The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

    Maintenance is vital for many things in life. Our vehicles and homes...
  • How Mouthguards Can Save Your Smile!

    When it comes to sports, it's not worth taking any chances and...
  • Teeth Stains After Braces?

    When you think of teeth stains, do you tend to first think...
  • What To Eat After a Dental Cleaning

    Do you hesitate to eat after you leave the dental office after...
  • Getting Ready for Wisdom Teeth Removal

    Has your teen just received the news that they should have their...
  • Holiday Dental Decay? How to Prevent Tooth Decay.

    It looks like we have fully entered the season of sweets! Halloween...
  • Emergency Dental Care – Stop the Throbbing Pain!

    Thankfully it’s not every day that you experience tooth pain, but when...
  • Does Teeth Whitening Damage Teeth?

    When it comes to your smile, studies show that whiter teeth really...
  • How Can I Enhance My Smile?

    Whether it’s the first time meeting someone or you’ve known them for...

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment you can call us at

(435) 673-3363

Or click on the "Request Appointment" button below to fill out our online form.

Make an appointment

If you have a dental Emergency, please call this number for help:

(435) 673-3363


stgeorgesmiles@gmail.com

LINKS

  • New Patients
  • Patient Forms
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Financing Options
  • Dental Services
  • Dental Emergency
  • About Us
  • Reviews
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Contact

Washington Location

(435) 656-4441
826 S 3000 E Ste 2
St George, UT 84790

Riverside Location

(435) 673-3363
368 E. Riverside Dr. Ste 2A
St. George, UT 84790
Copyright © 2021 Riverside Dental Care. All Rights Reserved
MENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact
Make an appointment
Washington Location Appointment
Riverside Location Appointment