Sensitivity Relief Toothpastes: Different types and finding the Right sensitive toothpaste for you

Introduction

If you have ever experienced a sharp pain or discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or sour, you may have sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth are a common dental problem that affects millions of people worldwide. There are Toothpastes you can buy online to cure sensitivity pain relief.

According to a survey by the British Dental Health Foundation, one in three adults in the UK suffers from tooth sensitivity¹.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective layer of enamel on your teeth wears away, exposing the underlying dentin layer that contains tiny nerve endings.

This can happen due to various factors, such as brushing too hard, consuming acidic foods and drinks, grinding your teeth, having gum disease, or ageing. When the dentin is exposed, it can react to external stimuli, such as temperature or pressure, and send signals of pain to the nerve in the tooth.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat and prevent tooth sensitivity, and one of them is using a sensitivity relief toothpaste. Sensitivity relief toothpastes are specially formulated to help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by sensitive teeth. They work by either blocking the nerve signals or repairing the enamel layer. In this article, we will explore the different types of sensitivity relief toothpastes and how to find the right one for you.

What are the different types of sensitivity relief toothpastes?

There are two main types of sensitivity relief toothpastes: desensitising and remineralising.

• Desensitising toothpastes work by blocking the nerve signals that cause pain. They contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride that penetrate into the dentin tubules and create a barrier that prevents stimuli from reaching the nerve endings. Desensitising toothpastes usually provide fast and longlasting relief from sensitivity, but they may not address the underlying cause of enamel erosion.

• Remineralising toothpastes work by repairing the enamel layer and restoring its strength and hardness. They contain ingredients such as fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or calcium phosphate that deliver minerals to the teeth and form a protective layer over the exposed dentin. Remineralising toothpastes may take longer to show results than desensitising toothpastes, but they may help prevent further damage to the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

How to find the right sensitivity relief toothpaste for you?

There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to choosing a sensitivity relief toothpaste. Different products may suit different people depending on their preferences and needs. H

Tere are some factors that you should consider when looking for a sensitivity relief toothpaste:

• The type and amount of active ingredients: Different active ingredients have different effects on your teeth and may vary in their effectiveness and safety. For example, fluoride is widely accepted as the most effective ingredient for preventing cavities and strengthening enamel², but some people may be allergic or sensitive to fluoride or prefer a natural alternative. Hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphate are also proven to remineralise enamel and reduce sensitivity³, but they may not be as widely available or affordable as fluoride. You should check the label of the toothpaste to see what active ingredients it contains and how much of them are present.
• The abrasiveness of the toothpaste: Abrasiveness refers to how much a toothpaste can scratch or wear away your enamel. While some abrasion is necessary to remove plaque and stains, too much abrasion can damage your enamel and make it more prone to erosion. You can check the abrasiveness of a toothpaste by looking at its Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) value, which ranges from 0 to 250. The lower the RDA value, the less abrasive the toothpaste is.
• The pH level of the toothpaste: pH level refers to how acidic or alkaline a substance is. As mentioned earlier, acidic substances can dissolve your enamel while alkaline substances can neutralise them. Therefore, you should avoid using a toothpaste that has a pH level lower than 5.5, which is the critical point for enamel dissolution⁴. You can test the pH level of a toothpaste by using a pH strip or meter.
• The flavour and texture of the toothpaste: Flavour and texture are personal preferences that can affect how often and how well you brush your teeth. You should choose a toothpaste that has a flavour and texture that you like and that does not irritate your mouth. Some toothpastes may contain artificial sweeteners, colours, or preservatives that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in some people. You can check the ingredients list of a toothpaste to see what it contains and avoid any potential allergens or irritants.

Based on these factors, here are some examples of sensitivity relief toothpastes and how they compare:

• Sensodyne Repair & Protect: This is a fluoride toothpaste that claims to repair sensitive teeth by forming a protective layer over the exposed dentin. It has an RDA value of 79, which is considered medium abrasive, and a pH level of 6.8, which is slightly alkaline. It has a minty flavour and a smooth texture.
• Regenerate Advanced: This is a hydroxyapatite toothpaste that claims to reverse early enamel erosion and restore the natural whiteness of your teeth. It has an RDA value of 116, which is considered high abrasive, and a pH level of 8.3, which is very alkaline. It has a fresh mint flavour and a creamy texture.
• BioMin F: This is a fluoride toothpaste that claims to release low levels of fluoride, calcium, and phosphate over several hours to remineralise your enamel and protect it from acid attack. It has an RDA value of 60, which is considered low abrasive, and a pH level of 7.2, which is neutral. It has a mild mint flavour and a gel like texture.

As you can see, each toothpaste has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to relieving sensitivity. You may need to try different products and see what works best for you and your teeth. You should also consult your dentist before using any new toothpaste, especially if you have any existing dental conditions or concerns.

Conclusion

Sensitivity relief toothpastes are specially formulated to help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by sensitive teeth. They work by either blocking the nerve signals or repairing the enamel layer.

There are two main types of sensitivity relief toothpastes: desensitising and remineralising. You should consider the type and amount of active ingredients, the abrasiveness, the pH level, and the flavour and texture of the toothpaste before choosing one.

You should also consult your dentist before using any new toothpaste, especially if you have any existing dental conditions or concerns.

References

(1) Sensitive Instant Relief Multiprotection  Colgate. https://www.colgate.com/engb/products/toothpaste/colgatesensitiveinstantreliefmultiprotection.

(2) Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth (UK) Review & Comparison  Dentaly. https://www.dentaly.org/en/oralhygiene/besttoothpaste/bestsensitivetoothpaste/.

(3) Best toothpaste for sensitive teeth 2023: Strengthen your enamel and …. https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/dentalcare/1418443/besttoothpasteforsensitiveteeth.

(4) Toothpastes For Sensitive Teeth Repair | Sensodyne. https://www.sensodyne.com/engb/products/productresults/repairsensitiveteethproducts/.