Tooth sensitivity can be mild or severe, but is usually always painful. People with tooth
sensitivity have trouble with hot and cold foods and sometimes even spicy or sweet foods.
Although having sensitive teeth is typically a chronic problem, the discomfort can be managed. One of the ways to manage this discomfort is with the right toothpaste. There are certain ingredients you can look for in desensitizing toothpaste that’ll help ease your pain and protect your teeth. Check the label for these helpful sensitivity fighters!
Calcium Phosphate to Remineralize Teeth
Since tooth enamel is composed of mostly calcium, calcium phosphate in your toothpaste can actually help to remineralize your teeth. Although you can’t replace the tooth enamel that’s been lost, the calcium phosphate can work to strengthen and protect your remaining tooth enamel from sensitivity.
When you lose tooth enamel, sensitive nerves become exposed and can carry the temperature of whatever is in your mouth to the pulp of your tooth. Tooth enamel can be lost through harsh brushing, frequently eating acidic foods (think sugar), and teeth grinding.
When you regularly brush with toothpaste that contains calcium, your saliva can help replenish your teeth with this important mineral to prevent painful sensitivity from occurring.
Potassium Nitrate to Stop Sensitivity
Potassium nitrate is a compound that works to block nerves at the tooth’s surface from
reaching the sensitive, interior pulp of your tooth.
Potassium nitrate helps to desensitize your teeth and reduce your discomfort by soothing these nerves. Potassium nitrate is considered to be a safe ingredient in toothpastes and is helpful for many people with tooth sensitivity.
Although effective, toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate may take 2-4 weeks to show results. It’s important to be consistent with brushing your teeth with the toothpaste and don’t give up. The results you experience will make waiting for this ingredient to work worth it!
Fluoride to Strengthen Enamel
Fluoride is an essential ingredient in desensitizing toothpastes that can help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent sensitivity. Fluoride is also excellent for preventing tooth decay, making it a safe and effective ingredient for many people.
Most over-the- counter toothpastes contain fluoride, but if your tooth enamel is severely
compromised, you may need prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste. You can ask your
dentist about this toothpaste to help combat your sensitivity and desensitize your teeth if
regular desensitizing toothpastes aren’t helping.
Look for these ingredients when you shop for desensitizing toothpaste to help manage your tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can also talk with you about which ingredients would be most beneficial for your unique smile and may recommend specific brands. When it comes to tooth sensitivity, toothpaste can be an important tool for helping to manage pain!
