Brushing sensitive teeth isn’t always the most comfortable activity. The trick is finding the right toothpaste for you!
“At least 45 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.” – University Dental Center.
If that number includes you, the right toothpaste can make a big difference to your daily routine. If you’re looking for toothpaste for sensitive teeth, our Dakota Dental experts have put together some recommendations for you to try.
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: What to Look For
Fluoride: You want an option that contains fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay.
Desensitizing Agents: Desensitizing agents (i.e., potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, strontium chloride, or arginine) can help block pain signals from reaching the nerve endings in your teeth, reducing sensitivity.
Mild Abrasives: Avoid toothpaste with harsh abrasives, which may exacerbate tooth sensitivity or damage enamel. Instead, choose a toothpaste with mild abrasives that effectively cleans without irritating.
Low Acid Content: Acidic foods and beverages can wear down tooth enamel and exacerbate sensitivity. A low acid content helps protect enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Tartar Control: If you’re prone to tartar buildup, look for tartar control benefits. However, you want a gentle formula that won’t cause more irritation!
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Always look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. This seal indicates that the toothpaste has been rigorously evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent panel of experts.
Whitening Agents (Optional): If you want your teeth to be white, you can opt for toothpaste with gentle whitening ingredients, as long as they won’t worsen sensitivity or damage enamel.
What is the Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth?
Choosing your best toothpaste for sensitive teeth ultimately comes down to what you like! We’ve listed out several toothpaste brands specifically formulated to address tooth sensitivity:
If you want to use an established formula: Sensodyne
Sensodyne is perhaps the most well-known toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Why is it so dependable? It contains potassium nitrate, which helps soothe nerves in the teeth and makes brushing more comfortable.
If you also want a whitening agent: Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening
This Sensodyne offshoot is designed to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against sensitivity while helping gently whiten teeth.
If you’re a Colgate fan: Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief
This toothpaste uses arginine (an amino acid) and calcium carbonate to help block pain signals from reaching the nerve endings in the teeth. The amino acid also creates a protective barrier to shield sensitive areas of the tooth.
If you’re a Crest fan: Crest Pro-Health Sensitive & Enamel Shield
This toothpaste is formulated to protect against tooth decay and plaque build-up while strengthening enamel with ingredients like sodium fluoride. It comes in various flavors and has added benefits, including gum care and whitening!
If you want natural ingredients: Tom’s of Maine Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste
For exclusively naturally derived ingredients, you can’t go wrong with Tom’s. It’s specifically formulated with arginine and calcium carbonate for fast relief from tooth sensitivity. However, this option is fluoride-free, so we recommend adding a fluoride mouthwash if you use it.
If you want a budget-friendly option: Arm & Hammer Sensitive Teeth & Gums Toothpaste
Like Sensodyne, this Arm & Hammer toothpaste contains potassium nitrate and also contains baking soda, a mild abrasive well-suited to cleaning teeth.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can result from exposed dentin (the material underneath your enamel), worn-down enamel, tooth decay, teeth whitening, or receding gums. If you suffer from ongoing sensitivity, schedule a dental appointment to find and address the root cause!
Protect and Prioritize Your Teeth
With all that life brings, maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine can be tricky. Finding the right toothpaste can make a big difference!
If you’re still unsure which one is right for you or have questions for our dental team, schedule an appointment at our Apple Valley clinic. We’d love to connect with you, learn more about your dental needs, and provide personalized recommendations tailored to your oral health needs. At Dakota Dental, we’re all about keeping your teeth strong and healthy! Request an appointment.