If you can’t eat ice cream or drink hot coffee without a toothache, you may have tooth or dentin sensitivity. While this toothpaste does not address the underlying cause of the sensitivity, it does address the symptoms causing the pain.

The article below will explore the science behind toothpaste and what causes your sensitivity. Plus, you’ll know when to go to Waterloo Dental because of your sensitive teeth.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Normally, your teeth are protected from sensitivity by enamel, which is the white part of your teeth. As enamel wears down, the insides of your teeth are exposed to the air and what you eat, which causes your teeth to become sensitive.

What causes us to lose the protective enamel layer?

Tooth enamel is worn down daily due to abrasion and acids in our foods and beverages.

Is the active ingredient in a desensitizing toothpaste safe? One of the best sources for checking if an ingredient is safe is the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which maintains a safety database of thousands of commonly used chemicals based on research documents.

Potassium nitrate received the highest EWG score:

One on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest risk and 0-2 being “low risk.”

Stannous fluoride has the second-highest score:

2 out of 10. Although fluoride is ineffective at strengthening teeth in toothpaste form, it is a very effective desensitizer.

Strontium chloride scored 3 out of 10 – “moderate risk.” The Japanese government banned it for unsafe use in cosmetics.

Potassium nitrate can work just as well as strontium chloride in reducing your sensitivity, so my recommendation is this – just use the safest active ingredient:

Potassium nitrate.

How does toothpaste desensitization work?

1. Some brands claim their toothpaste can reduce sensitivity after two uses. That’s about a month of continuous daily use.

2. It only treats the symptoms afterward — it can’t cure your sensitivity. What does it mean? Imagine if your house was on fire and you reacted by trying to put out the smoke. If your teeth are sensitive, it means something serious is going on, causing these symptoms. Desensitizing toothpaste is great for your comfort, and I use it myself but make sure to address the root cause of your sensitivity to protect your teeth from getting worse.

How do I fix my sensitive teeth?

According to Kitchener Waterloo dentist tooth sensitivity can come and go. But if left untreated, the underlying problem causing the sensitivity can worsen, leading to extreme discomfort and pain. You can try several steps at home to get your sensitive teeth under control, but we always recommend consulting your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This will help identify the underlying problem and prevent it from recurring.

Brush and floss properly

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to keeping your teeth in good condition. For this reason, you need to have an oral habit that includes daily brushing and flossing. Dentists recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles and brushing in gentle circular motions. This will help avoid damaging your enamel and irritating your gums. As waterloo dental stated, ensure you don’t brush too much or put too much pressure on your gums.

Use toothpaste to reduce sensitivity.

Desensitization is a special toothpaste designed to treat conditions such as sensitive teeth. With active ingredients that help reduce sensitivity, these toothpastes work in two main ways. They calm the nerve endings in the tooth or create a barrier to exposed dentin.

Change your diet

What you eat or drink has a significant impact on tooth sensitivity. So to keep your sensitivities under control, it’s important to limit or avoid consuming these foods and beverages. Following a healthy, balanced diet will help reduce tooth sensitivity and keep your teeth in good condition.

Wear a mouth guard at night.

Teeth grinding and clenching can damage tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity. We recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth to avoid this. This will help you avoid sensitivity and painful oral conditions like TMJ disorders.

Visit your dentist

We’ve said it once, but we’ll say it again, it’s best to see Waterloo Dental to determine the cause of your sensitivity. When you visit us for a consultation, the dentist can assess your teeth and understand your oral hygiene and eating habits. Once the cause has been diagnosed, waterloo dental can devise the treatment plan needed to address the condition.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy diet, practicing good oral hygiene habits, and visiting your dentist can go a long way in keeping your teeth pain-free. At waterloo dental, our friendly and trained team will help you identify the cause of your sensitivity and develop individually tailored treatment plans to ensure you can enjoy it all. Your favorite foods and drinks without pain. Don’t wait – make an ap