With tooth enamel hypersensitivity, slight discomfort or acute pain occurs in response to the use of sweets and sour, carbonated drinks, hot tea or coffee, cold foods. Sensitivity is not always a pathology, but often occurs against the background of the appearance of tartar or an inflammatory process. To fix the problem, you must first find out exactly the cause. Then you should choose a good toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Reasons for the development of hypersensitivity
The problem of excessive tooth sensitivity is associated with the thinning of the enamel layer. As a result, a deeper layer of tooth tissue is exposed - dentin, which is under the enamel. Dentin is made up of long tubes that carry fluid. If it is not covered with enamel, thermal and other stimuli dramatically increase the speedliquid flow. This leads to the excitation of nerve endings and the occurrence of acute pain.
When dentin is exposed, the use of whitening pastes, the use of sour or sweet foods, cold or hot drinks can provoke discomfort. In more complex cases, the patient cannot inhale cold air and is forced to take only warm, neutral-tasting food. Usually with sensitivity, the pain is constant, rarely there are temporary periods of remission, when the intensity of unpleasant sensations is significantly reduced or the teeth do not respond to stimuli at all.
The causes of hypersensitivity are:
- improper hygiene at home (use of aggressive hygiene products or hard brushes for hygiene procedures, poor brushing technique);
- lack of professional cleaning, regular check-ups at the dentist and courses of remineralizing therapy that restores the structure of he althy enamel;
- frequent consumption of sour berries, freshly squeezed juices and carbonated drinks, sweets, foods that contain aggressive acids that adversely affect enamel and dentin;
- general he alth: phosphorus-calcium metabolism disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, prolonged stress, depression, frequent nausea and vomiting, pregnancy, exposure to ionizing radiation on the body (usually these are difficult to diagnose causes).
Therapy for increasedsensitivity
For the treatment of hypersensitivity, it is recommended to carry out a thorough oral hygiene at least twice a day, using a medium to soft brush and a special toothpaste. Which one is best for sensitive teeth? Rating, description, composition, reviews will be considered further, but for now - general points.
It is advisable to supplement the diet with foods containing calcium and phosphorus, limit the consumption of fresh juices, sweet soda, sour fruits and berries, thermally contrasting drinks (for example, coffee with ice cream). Rinse your mouth with clean water after every meal or snack. You should visit a dentist in a timely manner, who will draw up an individual program of preventive measures and prescribe a course of special therapy.
How to choose pasta
A good toothpaste for sensitive teeth has specific characteristics. Typically, the hygiene product has a low abrasion in the range of 25 to 35 RDA. RDA stands for Abrasiveness Index. Usually, for therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes, this figure is 75, for whitening - 100-120. It is necessary to pay attention to the content of active components in the paste, which have different effectiveness, the speed of the onset of the effect and the mechanisms for reducing sensitivity. Usually manufacturers use:
- Fluorides, strontium chloride, hydroxyapatite, zinc citrate. These components directly affect the cause of hypersensitivity - accelerated fluid flow in the dentinal tubules. Fluorine compounds clog the tubules, contribute to the formation of a layer of the replacement layer of dentin and compaction of its structure. But the effect develops rather slowly.
- Chloride or potassium nitrate. The basis of the transmission of nerve impulses is the exchange of potassium ions, which are located inside the nerve cells, for sodium ions, located in the outer part of the nerve. An increased concentration of potassium ions blocks the transmission of nerve impulses and reduces sensitivity in response to mechanical and thermal stimuli. The effect of the use of these components develops very quickly, but does not differ in durability. Sodium chloride relieves the pain, but not the cause of the hypersensitivity.
- Calcium carbonate and arginine. Arginine contributes to the precipitation of calcium carbonate on tooth enamel, which helps to block the dentinal tubules and reduce the intensity of fluid flow. The components well reduce sensitivity, but do not solve the problem of demineralization of dentin and tooth enamel.
Which toothpaste is better: rating
Not every hygiene product is suitable for sensitive teeth. Some pastes have an immediate effect that does not last long, others eliminate the cause of the pain, but the result takes a long time, so it seems that there is no effect at all, the pain does not go away. But there are multi-component products with a high concentration of nutrients that are similar to professional desensitization gels used by dentists. Hereranking of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth:
- Lacalut Extra Sensitive.
- Gel "Sensitive" from PresiDent.
- Sensodyne F (with fluoride).
- Desensitization by Blend-a-Med.
- Repair & Whiten by R. O. C. S. Sensitive.
- Mexidol Sensitive.
- BlanX Med White Teeth whitening paste.
- Professional toothpaste "SPLAT Biocalcium".
- "Calcium" from TM "New Pearls".
- Professional by Colgate Total.
Toothpaste "Lacalut Extra Sensitive"
The best toothpaste for sensitive teeth works in several directions at once: it suppresses nerve endings, which reduces the intensity of pain, strengthens the enamel and saturates its structure with useful minerals. As a result, a protective coating appears on the surface of the tooth, which remains for a rather long time (at least several hours) and allows fluoride to effectively penetrate into the deeper layers of the tooth. Several types of "Lakalut Extra Sensitive" provide maximum performance among the entire line of brand products. Sensitivity returns to normal in a fairly short time. In addition, Lacalut Extra Sensitive strengthens teeth, restores their structure and reduces the risk of calcium development.
The concentration of fluoride in toothpaste is quite high - 1476 units. Additionally, the composition includes many useful components (including potassium chloride and sodium fluoride), which prevent the development of sensitivity and strengthen the enamel. Based on the many reviews,for most buyers, the paste really helps to get rid of excessive sensitivity in response to the use of cold or hot drinks, sour foods or sweets, mechanical effects.
PresiDent Sensitive Gel
One of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth (ranked second in the ranking) has earned good customer reviews. It is often noted that a minimal level of discomfort is felt during use. One of the main advantages of the hygiene product is its low abrasiveness (less than 25 units), due to which enamel and dentin are practically not injured during hygiene procedures. Another advantage is the high concentration of fluorine (the value of 1350 units is indicated on the package). This is not the highest indicator in the ranking, but in combination with other components, it turned out to be a good paste for sensitive teeth, which provides high-quality oral care.
Dentists call the gel one of the best remedies for hypersensitivity. PresiDent Sensitive is suitable even for those who find it difficult to find even a special paste. The gel increases the concentration of useful minerals, due to which the teeth become stronger, and the enamel is less susceptible to mechanical and chemical abrasion. It also helps to reduce the level of susceptibility to stimuli. The active ingredients are potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride, hydroxyapatite.
Sensodyne F toothpaste (with fluoride)
One of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth has repeatedly proven its worthquality and reliability. It is especially recommended to use Sensodyne F in the presence of crowns. The paste penetrates into the deep layers of dentin, promotes remineralization of teeth, and acts on the problem from the inside. Due to this, the susceptibility of nerve fibers decreases, the pain syndrome decreases, and over time it may disappear altogether.
Anti-Hypersensitivity Toothpaste contains Fluoride and Potassium Nitrate to strengthen enamel and reduce inflammation. Sensodyne F is used both prophylactically and for the treatment of hypersensitivity. For prevention, it is enough to use a special toothpaste only once a day (for example, during hygiene procedures in the morning, and brush your teeth in the evening). In general, reviews of Sensodyne F are positive.
Blend-a-Med Pro-Expert Desensitization
Basic products Blend-a-Med for hygiene care specializes in the destruction of caries and whitening of enamel, but there are also special (therapeutic and prophylactic) toothpastes for sensitive teeth. Which is better? Professional "Desensitization" not only reduces hypersensitivity, but also gently whitens to a natural color, qualitatively cleans plaque, strengthens tooth enamel. The amount of fluorine is not indicated on the package (most likely, the concentration is minimal or insignificant), but the hygiene product perfectly fulfills all the functions declared by the manufacturer. Judging by the reviews, the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth provides a stableeffect after the first weeks of use.
"R. O. C. S. Sensitive Recovery and Whitening»
Which is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth? Reviews from professional dentists and customers highlight R. O. C. S. Sensitive, which represents the best value-for-money ratio. There is practically no fluorine in the hygiene product. This is good if the substance in the body is already enough or if there is an allergy. In any case, before using a special medical toothpaste, it is advisable to consult a dentist.
R. O. C. S. Sensitive is lower than daily use pastes. This means that the erasure of enamel and mechanical trauma to the dentin during oral care will be minimal. At the same time, the product protects against caries and tartar, restores the natural color, and normalizes the microflora. The main action is provided by saturation of the tooth with missing minerals, sealing of dentinal tubules with particles of hydroxyapatite, restoration of enamel with xylitol and magnesium. The effect is expressed already after the first application. This is one of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth (reviews confirm this) in terms of the speed of a stable positive result.
Mexidol Sensitive Medical Paste
Dentists recommend using this hygiene product for no more than a month and preferably only as directed. This is one of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth. The main active ingredient is mexidol, which provides a long-term reductionpain sensations and a quick effect, stabilizes the balance of acids and alkalis in the oral cavity, increases resistance to infections, restores damaged enamel and relieves inflammation. "Mexidol Sensitive" has low abrasiveness. Another advantage is the presence of anesthetic components in the composition. You can use the paste not only for oral care, but also make applications on problem areas.
Professional toothpaste "SPLAT Biocalcium"
Biocalcium is a good toothpaste for sensitive teeth that provides truly comprehensive care. The main active ingredient is isolated from a natural eggshell, and additionally, hydroxyapatite, which is involved in the formation of the hard part of the tooth, is included in the composition. Sensitivity decreases after a few days of using SPLAT paste. Such a quick effect is achieved due to the high concentration of nutrients. With the constant use of this paste, tooth enamel is strengthened, tartar and calcium do not appear, and the condition of the gums is normalized. The reviews note the natural composition and high efficiency of the hygiene product.
Toothpaste "Calcium" from "New Pearl"
One of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth that works gently, so it is suitable for the whole family (children from three years old). Dentists recommend "New Pearl" as a cheap alternative to expensive products, but only with a slight degree of hypersensitivity. Toothpaste "New Pearl" contains a sufficient amount of potassium,saturates the enamel with useful minerals, compensating for their lack in the tissues of the tooth, strengthens and reduces hypersensitivity. The effect does not come immediately and does not last long.
Colgate Total Professional
In terms of its capabilities, "Colgate Total Professional" is suitable for solving minor problems associated with tooth sensitivity. Judging by the manufacturer's assurances, regular use of the paste reduces the risk of tartar by 55%, reduces gum bleeding by 88%, and effectively resists plaque by 98%. In addition, Colgate Total is well refreshing and provides comprehensive care.
Toothbrushes
A good toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be harmful if used with the wrong toothbrush or simply wrong. With increased sensitivity, it is advisable to use brushes with soft bristles. These are usually labeled Soft. They differ from ordinary brushes in that the bristles have an atraumatic or rounded tip. Soft brushes should not be used all the time because they do not remove plaque well enough. With prolonged use, tartar builds up and is difficult to remove.
Dental Care Tips
With severe pain, you can squeeze the paste not on the brush, but on your finger, and rub it into the painful areas for one to two minutes. You can usually brush your teeth afterwards with a brush. The whole procedure should take about three minutes, but in order toto ensure a greater effect, you can rinse your mouth with a foamy solution for a couple of minutes. It is very important not to give up the daily routine of brushing your teeth, even if it causes pain. Otherwise, there will be an increase in the symptoms of hypersensitivity. With hypersensitivity, it is undesirable to use carbonated drinks, freshly squeezed juices, sour vegetables and berries. This contributes to the demineralization of the dentin and contributes to increased discomfort.
