According to a survey of dental offices across the United States, an estimated one in eight adults experiences dental sensitivity. This issue can be caused by enamel erosion, an untreated cavity, or even genetic predisposition, and while some of these cases require treatment from a dentist, others can be remedied by desensitizing toothpastes. Read on to learn how this special oral hygiene product works and how to tell if it can benefit you.
Causes of Dental Sensitivity
Dental sensitivity can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, but not all of them require treatment from a dentist. Some causes can be remedied with a simple, store-bought solution: desensitizing toothpaste. If your sensitivity seemed to arise out of nowhere and doesn’t occur all the time, it could be a result of an oral health problem, and you should visit your dentist. However, if it happens whenever you consume items that are hot or cold, desensitizing toothpaste may be a great solution. Be sure to consult with your dentist and get some reliable product recommendations before investing in a toothpaste.
How Does Desensitizing Toothpaste Work?
Desensitizing toothpastes, like Pronamel and Sensodyne, are specially formulated to strengthen the protective layer of the teeth, called the enamel. Over time, this can become worn down by acids created by harmful oral bacteria, eventually exposing more of the dentin layer, which lies beneath it. This layer of the teeth contains thousands of tiny tubules that trigger the nerves in the tooth whenever something hot or cold is eaten or drank. Desensitizing toothpaste contains special ingredients to block these tubules and keep sensory nerves from activating.
The Ingredients Are Key
The active ingredients in desensitizing toothpaste are what improves dental sensitivity and makes these products effective:
- Potassium nitrate. This ingredient helps block the transmission of messages of pain from the nerves within the tooth to the brain.
- Fluoride. This mineral strengthens the protective layer of enamel to cover the tubules in the dentin.
- Strontium chloride. This ingredient blocks the dentin tubules to prevent the nerves from reacting to hot or cold foods or beverages.
Your dentist can help you choose the best brand of desensitizing toothpaste by listening to your symptoms and recommending products that have been proven to be both effective and safe to use on your pearly whites.
If you suffer from chronic dental sensitivity, you’re definitely not alone. With the proper oral hygiene products and a good hygiene routine in place, you can improve your symptoms and feel a little more comfortable.
What Should You Do if You Have Chronic Dental Sensitivity?
If you suffer from chronic dental sensitivity, you’re definitely not alone. In some cases, you may be able to treat the problem from home with desensitizing toothpaste recommended to you by a professional. However, in other cases, there may be a little more than meets the eye. Dental sensitivity can also be caused by the early signs of cavities. In these situations, your dentist may recommend a small tooth-colored filling, fluoride treatment, or if decay hasn’t yet started, they could also advise you to get sealants to protect your teeth.
If you get the news that your sensitivity may be a little bit of a bigger issue than you normally thought, rest assured that there’s no need to fret! Your dentist will help get your oral health on the right track and prevent the issue from advancing with proactive care, such as treatment or monitoring the area at future visits.
About the Practice
Drs. Mauri Heesch and Alex Woods are knowledgeable general dentists who have several years of experience and a dedication to always doing what’s best for their patients. With a focus on prevention, their goal is to keep small oral health issues from becoming bigger. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Neighborhood Dental – Brandon’s website or call 605-582-6522.