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Tooth Sensitivity - Maple Grove Dentist



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