Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Our bodies change as we age. For a while, many of those changes are positive ones but when we get to be in our 40’s and beyond the changes that pile up tend to be of a more negative nature. Of course our teeth are not exempt from this march of time and one of the most noticeable changes that can occur is an increase in sensitivity.

That’s right, sensitive teeth can very quickly turn that enjoyable morning cup of hot coffee into a miserable experience.  Or sensitivity can change that late night ice cream snack from joyful to painful. Now fortunately, in a lot of cases the pain is temporary but it can reoccur when you least expect it and it can happen often enough to make you look for answers.

When we age our teeth become less protected, or more specifically, the roots of our teeth do. That’s because our gums recede with age and that, slowly but surely, exposes the roots. And the roots are dotted with tiny tubules which are pore-like openings that lead deeper into the teeth, down to the pulp and nerve level. 

When these little openings are exposed, they conduct heat, cold, and even pressure all the way down to the nerves. Of course, the nerves don’t like that very much and they react with anything from mild discomfort to outright pain. It’s just the body’s way of warning us that something’s not right. 

While age usually plays a role in teeth sensitivity, poor oral hygiene plays one too. For instance, letting plaque accumulate around our gums sets us up for sensitive teeth. The plaque first tarnishes our smiles but over time turns into that hard, yellowy substance called tartar. Tartar in turn damages our gums and can contribute to the onset of gum disease (e.g. gingivitis). Unhealthy gums can recede a great deal and when they do, we’re back on the road to sensitivity.

Believe it or not, brushing can also be a source of sensitivity – over-bushing that is. If we use too much pressure when we brush, we can actually wear away protective gum tissue. Using a toothbrush that’s overly firm can have the same effect. It takes time for this to happen (maybe years) but it can certainly contribute to sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth can be treated fairly successfully nowadays. The first step to improving on that sensitivity is to practice the right brushing habits. We need to use toothbrushes that are softer (generally) and we need to consistently brush at least twice a day. The second step is to visit the dentist and dental hygienist regularly. And the third step is to change to a toothpaste that’s made specifically for sensitive teeth.

Several companies make toothpastes designed specifically for sensitive teeth. They’re usually formulated around an active ingredient – either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride.

A potassium nitrate formula acts directly on the nerve. It acts to quiet the nerve and inhibit it. When it works, the nerve sort of ignores the cold, heat, or pressure. 

Strontium chloride on the other hand works to plug the root’s tubules. This prevents the cold, heat, or pressure from irritating the tooth’s nerve in the first place. Over time, these openings are plugged pretty securely and pain and discomfort are greatly reduced or fade away entirely.

If you’re young or old and you find that your teeth are getting more sensitive, you can do something about it. You can take a close look at your oral hygiene (brushing) habits and maybe improve them. You can schedule (and go to) dentist appointments more often and keep plaque from building up. And lastly, you can switch to a toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth. Over time, these small changes can make a big difference.

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