FAQ
If you've ever felt a painful sensation in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold beverages and food, you've experienced tooth sensitivity. And you're not alone. Dentin hypersensitivity affects up to 57% of dental patients.
Here you'll find answers to questions on sensitive teeth, enamel erosion and the Colgate® Sensitive toothpaste lineup, including Colgate® Sensitive Whitening and Colgate® Sensitive Enamel Protect™.
Sensitivity Questions
My teeth are only sensitive sometimes. Is this common?
Yes. Many adults have occasional sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet beverages and food. Others suffer from constant pain. Regardless of the frequency of your pain, let your dentist or hygienist know. They can recommend proper treatment for tooth sensitivity.
How are sensitive teeth treated?
Sensitive teeth can usually be treated with anti-sensitivity toothpaste like Colgate® Sensitive Whitening or Colgate® Sensitive Enamel Protect™.
How long does it take to get relief? How long will the relief last?
Speed of relief will vary from person to person. On average, users experience relief after two weeks of usage. Colgate® Sensitive toothpastes provide long-lasting, clinically proven relief from painful sensitivity with regular use.
Enamel Erosion Questions
What is enamel?
Tooth enamel is the hardest and most highly mineralized substance of the body, and is one of the four major tissues which make up the tooth. It is the normally visible dental tissue of a tooth and is supported by underlying dentin.
What is enamel erosion?
Enamel erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth tissue due mainly to exposure to acid.
What causes enamel erosion?
The main cause of enamel erosion is exposure of the teeth to acids. Sources of acid exposure can be intrinsic (from within your body) or extrinsic (from outside your body). People at risk from intrinsic acid exposure include those who experience gastric reflux or recurrent vomiting. Extrinsic acid can be found in some of our most popular everyday foods and drinks. Examples include citrus fruits, apples, pickles, vinegar, sodas (both sweetened and diet), wine and orange juice.
How can I minimize enamel erosion?
- To help prevent dental erosion, it is recommended you avoid brushing for at least 60 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks. Consuming acidic foods and drinks leaves the enamel softened and more prone to erosion through brushing.
- Avoid sipping acidic drinks like orange juice, sodas (both sweetened and diet) and wine over long periods of time. Minimize contact of such drinks with your teeth's surface by drinking them with a straw and not swishing them around in your mouth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste with low abrasivity, such as Colgate® Sensitive Enamel Protect™.
Product Questions
Why should I use Colgate® Sensitive products?
Colgate® Sensitive Whitening provides you with:
- Clinically proven relief from painful sensitivity
- Long-lasting protection with regular use
- Stain removal
- Fresh breath
- Daily oral care and cavity protection
- Great value
Colgate® Sensitive Enamel Protect™ provides you with:
- Clinically proven relief from painful sensitivity
- Long-lasting protection with regular use
- Enamel protection
- Fresh breath
- Daily oral care and cavity protection
- Great value
Colgate® Sensitive Multi Protection provides you with:
- Clinically proven relief from painful sensitivity
- Long-lasting protection with regular use
- Stain removal
- Tartar control
- Fresh breath
- Daily oral care and cavity protection
- Great value
What is potassium nitrate? How does it stop sensitivity?
Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound. In toothpaste, it is the anti-sensitivity active ingredient that penetrates the exposed tubules (tiny holes) of the teeth to relieve the pain from sensitive nerves inside teeth. Additionally, it is one of the ADA-approved ingredients to treat tooth hypersensitivity.
How long does it take to get relief and how long will the relief last?
Most people begin to feel relief after two weeks of usage. On average, Colgate® Sensitive Maximum Strength provides clinically proven relief from painful sensitivity within two weeks, and continues to deliver long-lasting protection with regular use.
What makes Colgate® Sensitive Maximum Strength?
Colgate® Sensitive contains the maximum amount (5%) of the active ingredient potassium nitrate allowed by the FDA to treat and protect against hypersensitivity.
Can I use Colgate® Sensitive as an everyday toothpaste?
Yes, both Colgate® Sensitive Whitening and Colgate® Sensitive Enamel Protect™ effectively clean teeth, provide everyday cavity protection and have a refreshing mint taste, in addition to providing clinically proven relief from painful sensitivity.
How does Colgate® Sensitive fight cavities?
Colgate® Sensitive contains sodium fluoride to fight cavities.
Does Colgate® Sensitive clean as well as regular Colgate® toothpaste brands?
Yes. Both Colgate® Sensitive Whitening and Colgate® Sensitive Enamel Protect™ are excellent cleaning toothpastes and clean as well as regular Colgate® toothpaste brands.
How does Colgate® Sensitive Whitening whiten teeth?
Colgate® Sensitive Whitening toothpaste contains high-cleaning silica to safely and gently whiten teeth by removing surface stains.
What does long-lasting protection mean?
Long-lasting protection with regular use means that as long as you continue to use the product it will be effective. In fact, the effect of the product improves over time.
Why should children under 12 years of age consult a dentist or physician before using Colgate® Sensitive toothpaste?
Children under 12 years of age rarely suffer from tooth hypersensitivity. If children under 12 years of age do experience tooth pain, it may be a more serious condition. Accordingly, the FDA does not recommend use of an anti-sensitivity toothpaste for children under 12 years of age unless a dentist or physician determines that there is a need.
What happens if Colgate® Sensitive is swallowed?
If you or your children accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.
Why does it mention to use a soft-bristle toothbrush?
Tooth surface abrasion and gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity. A hard-bristled toothbrush can promote both.
Why does it mention "Do not use this product longer than 4 weeks unless recommended by a dentist or physician?"
The FDA requires this statement on the packaging of all over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes. Sensitive teeth may indicate a serious problem that may need prompt care by a dentist. If after 4 weeks of use you do not experience sensitivity relief, see your dentist.
