Hi, this is
Dr. Ryan Francis, DDS from Grove Health Dental.
Today, I’ll discuss one of the most common questions that I
get from clients: “Why are my teeth so sensitive?”
Tooth Sensitivity: Possible Causes
There are several
possible causes of tooth sensitivity. You could have cavities, hairline cracks
or fractures, gum recession, gum disease, exposed root or dentin, or you could
be over-brushing, clenching, and grinding.
Out of all these,
the number one cause of tooth sensitivity (hot or cold sensitivity) is an exposed
dentin or root. We’ll focus on this type of tooth sensitivity.
Two Main Ingredients against
Tooth Sensitivity
Pain associated with tooth sensitivity can vary from person
to person, and there is, certainly, ways to alleviate tooth sensitivity. Unfortunately,
there are hundreds or probably thousands of products out there that claim to relieve
tooth sensitivity. In my experience, there are two main ingredients that helped
work best, at home or over the counter, for this type of sensitivity.
1.
Potassium
nitrate is found in pretty much all Sensodyne products. Sensodyne
is the pioneer in introducing that ingredient for relieving tooth sensitivity.
2.
Stannous
fluoride is a different type of fluoride that you see in several
toothpastes. Its major disadvantage over other forms of fluoride is that
stannous flouride has antimicrobial effect, which means it helps fight off gum
bacteria. The minor disadvantage of stannous fluoride is that, for a small
percentage of people, we see some staining that occurs in the teeth. The good
thing is, staining is reversible, so we can remove it if you want. The best way
to add Stannous Flouride to your teeth is by using Crest Pro Health which is
the most popular toothpaste on the market with this active ingredient.
Products That Can Help
Colgate has introduced a product called Colgate Sensitive
Pro-Relief toothpaste with Pro-Argin technology. This toothpaste combines 8%
arginine (an amino acid) and calcium carbonate. This product helps block the
nerve entrance of the teeth, thereby helping desensitize your teeth and remove
discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity.
Secret Weapon for Tooth Sensitivity
For all those people who have used many products and none has
helped, you would be delighted to know that I have a secret weapon that can
help you.
We've applied this product to several clients and we are amazed
at how this product has helped them with their tooth sensitivity, something we often
apply during their 6-month checkups (the product’s effect tends to last for about
four to five months, on average). This product does an excellent job at
blocking tooth sensitivity within that time frame.
Today, I have provided some fun facts about tooth
sensitivity and products you can find out there in the market. If you have any
questions, feel free to call us or drop by our clinic.
Grove Health
Dental
763.416.0011
9907 Maple Grove
Parkway
Maple Grove, MN 55369