Increased tooth sensitivity is a common problem. People with overly sensitive teeth often experience pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and beverages, brushing their teeth with a hard toothbrush, or even breathing in cold air. Persistent tooth sensitivity needs a complex treatment. But you can start with using a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth to find some relief.
Basically, increased tooth sensitivity, also known as tooth hyperaesthesia or dentin hypersensitivity, is not a disease but rather a symptom of a more complex dental problem such as tooth decay or gum recession. Therefore, in order to relieve hypersensitivity, you need to see a dentist and have the main issue treated directly. Sensitive teeth may also result from aggressive teeth whitening procedures that make tooth enamel thinner and thus increase tooth sensitivity. Brushing your teeth with a hard toothbrush may have the same effect.
Upon figuring out the cause of tooth sensitivity, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment that may involve a crown, inlay or bonding. But practically any dentist will want you to use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. How are such toothpastes different from your regular toothpaste?
First of all, such toothpastes have a very soft texture. Unlike whitening toothpastes, they don’t contain abrasive particles that might scratch the tooth surface. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth clean your teeth delicately yet effectively. Secondly, special toothpastes are formulated with desensitizing ingredients that reduce tooth sensitivity and strengthen your tooth enamel. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect which is especially important when tooth hyperaesthesia is caused by gum disease.
So what are these desensitizing ingredients we’re talking about? Most toothpastes for sensitive teeth contain potassium salts which decrease the sensations sent to the nerve. Their safety and effectiveness have been confirmed by lots of research and trials, so you shouldn’t be afraid to buy toothpastes which contain potassium citrate or potassium nitrate. The use of these salts is allowed even in natural toothpastes, the composition of which has to meet strict requirements.
By the way, natural and organic toothpastes designed for hypersensitive teeth also contain natural extracts and oils derived from medicinal plants. These ingredients have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. They help to strengthen tooth enamel, reduce gum bleeding, and get rid of bad breath. Let us take a closer look at several toothpastes for sensitive teeth.
Russian beauty brand Natura Siberica presents its Arctic Protection Toothpaste. The product is formulated with organic extracts from purple coneflower (echinacea), creeping bentgrass, common lungwort, peppermint, chamomile, Arctic raspberry, wood sorrel, and other medicinal plants. It also contains sea buckthorn oil that is rich in antioxidants and has antiseptic and healing properties. This toothpaste takes care of your oral cavity and speeds up the recovery of damaged tooth enamel.
Well-known Indian brand Himalaya Herbals offers another toothpaste for overly sensitive teeth. The key active ingredient of the brand’s Sensi-Relief Toothpaste is toothbrush tree extract. The branches of toothbrush tree, commonly referred to as miswak, have been used as a natural toothbrush in Asia and the Middle East for centuries. Miswak has even been promoted by the WHO for oral hygiene use. With this toothpaste, you don’t have to chew on branches to clean your teeth! All useful properties of miswak are already there. The product also contains sweet almond extract, spinach extract and menthol.
Toothpastes for sensitive teeth should be used at least twice a day, just like regular ones. Don’t forget to use a soft or very soft toothbrush, it also helps to reduce tooth sensitivity. However, you shouldn’t reduce the time of brushing. If you do it, active ingredients of your toothpaste won’t have enough time to penetrate into your teeth and start working. Just don’t brush your teeth too aggressively. Dentists also recommend using a special mouthwash to secure and enhance the effect of the toothpaste.
You can find a wide range of natural and organic toothpastes in our online shop Organic Store. They can help you to cope with dentin hypersensitivity, relieve gum bleeding, prevent tooth decay and delicately whiten your teeth without damaging the enamel. We offer several different brands of toothpastes including Himalaya Herbals, Natura Siberica, Granny Agafia’s Recipes, and Organic People.
