If your favourite ice cream or hot coffee causes you to wince in pain, you likely suffer from sensitive teeth. Teeth become sensitive when the pulp of the teeth has little to no protection from temperature changes in the mouth, typically brought on by certain foods. While brushing with the right toothpaste makes your teeth healthier over the long term,a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can relieve your discomfort within two weeks of regular use. Read on to understand the importance of addressing tooth sensitivity, how sensitivity toothpaste works, and how to choose the best option for your needs.
Why Do Tooth Sensitivity Matters?
Dentin hypersensitivity, commonly known as tooth sensitivity, can be a minor inconvenience, but it may sometimes significantly impact your oral health. Understanding why tooth sensitivity matters is crucial for effectively managing and preventing it. Tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort and pain during everyday activities such as eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. The pain can be sharp, and sudden and shoot deep into the nerve endings of the teeth, making even simple tasks unpleasant and unbearable for some individuals.
When you experience tooth sensitivity, it is often a sign that the protective enamel on your teeth has worn down or that your gums have receded, exposing the sensitive inner layers of your teeth. However, using sensitive toothpaste regularly and practising proper dental care can manage tooth sensitivity without any hassle.
Safeguarding Your Teeth Against Sensitivity
While sensitivity may arise due to enamel erosion or gum recession, practising proper oral care strategies can help mitigate its effects and promote long-term dental health. Here are some of the various approaches that you can take to safeguard your teeth against sensitivity:
- Proper Oral Hygiene:
Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps maintain oral health and prevents gum recession and enamel erosion, which can lead to sensitivity. - Regular Dental Check-ups:
Scheduled visits to the dentist allow for early detection and treatment of dental issues that may contribute to sensitivity, such as cavities, gum disease, or enamel erosion. - Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages:
Limiting consumption of acidic foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar can help prevent enamel erosion, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. - Desensitising Toothpaste:
Using toothpaste formulated with active ingredients like potassium nitrate can effectively manage and reduce tooth sensitivity to external stimuli like hot, cold, or acidic foods and beverages.
How Does Sensitivity Toothpaste Work?
Specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums can effectively reduce sensitivity, often yielding noticeable results within a few days of use for most individuals. However, for some to see significant improvement, it may take at least a week or two.
Sensitive toothpaste contains unique ingredients designed to alleviate tooth sensitivity by blocking the dentinal tubules. Many toothpaste brands have produced anti-sensitivity toothpaste to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth. For optimal results, brushing the teeth twice daily with the best toothpaste for sensitivity is recommended. Additionally, rubbing toothpaste directly on sensitive areas may enhance its efficiency and provide better and faster results. While relief may vary, with some experiencing relief within days and others within weeks, consistent use is vital to maximising its benefits.
How to Choose a Sensitivity Toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste for sensitive teeth is crucial for managing tooth sensitivity and maintaining dental health. Toothpaste formulated with sensitivity protection can reduce discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. Several factors must be considered when selecting a toothpaste for sensitivity to ensure optimal relief and protection. Below are some other factors to consider when choosing the best sensitive toothpaste.
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate is a unique compound that is present in toothpaste for sensitive teeth. According to the Indian Dental Association, it helps to alleviate discomfort caused by sensitivity by desensitising the nerve endings in the teeth. This compound has the ability to seep into the surface of the enamel of your teeth, reaching the nerves inside. It then blocks the signals that the nerves in your teeth usually send to the brain to trigger discomfort.
Opting for a sensitivity relief toothpaste with potassium nitrate like Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection can provide faster relief from sensitivity within 2 weeks when used twice daily. With regular use, it provides long-term relief and improves protection against sudden shocks of pain. Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection soothes the nerve ends and builds a protective shield providing relief from sensitivity.
