Best Oral Care Products, Part 2!
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Do you wince when you sip hot or cold beverages? Do you hesitate before indulging in your favorite ice cream? Been there, it's no fun.
The good news? You don't have to endure discomfort every time you enjoy your favorite foods or drinks. I used to have extremely sensitive teeth before I found the brand that works for me, and now I'd like to share my top picks with you! The solution lies in finding something you can use twice a day, consistently, for the long term and checking in with your dentist twice a year.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: The Why and How
Before diving into my list of favorite toothpastes, let's understand what causes tooth sensitivity. The outer layer of our teeth, known as enamel, protects the underlying layer called dentin. When enamel wears down or gums recede, channels that lead to the more sensitive inner layer are exposed. These channels allow hot, cold, acidic, and sticky foods to trigger discomfort or pain. It's important to work with your dentist to address issues that can be compromising your enamel and gums - like tooth grinding or clenching, cavities, old dental work, gum disease, or shifting teeth. Getting necessary treatment completed and adding a great sensitivity toothpaste can have you feeling like a new person.
My Top 3 Picks for Soothing Sensitive Teeth:
Are you one of the many shoppers avoiding fluoride toothpaste? Sometimes as a dentist this makes me worry, but not if there are other effective ingredients in the formula. Boka's fluoride-free toothpastes are backed by the science of mineralizing nanoparticles. These nanoparticles reinforce microscopic weak spots in the enamel over time, reducing sensitivity! There's also the attractive bonus of giving teeth a smooth and bright appearance. With a nice variety of tasty flavors and clean, gentle ingredients, Boka toothpaste is my personal favorite toothpaste that I use at home and it's what I recommend to patients of all ages (yes, it's even great for kids!). It provides the clean feel, great taste and brightening benefits you'd expect from regular fluoride containing brands while still preventing cavities and being safe for all ages.
This trusted brand is renowned for addressing tooth sensitivity. With a gentle whitening formula, it not only alleviates discomfort but also helps restore and strengthen enamel. This popular choice works well for mild to moderate sensitivity and has the added bonus of being available at most local grocery stores and pharmacies (or skip the trip and add to your instacart). I recently spoke to a Sensodyne representative at a continuing education course who shared some samples with me. If you are switching from a different brand, you can expect a less intense but still pleasant minty taste.
Many times sensitive teeth and gum problems occur at the same time. This unique toothpaste not only targets sensitivity but also addresses bleeding gums, offering comprehensive care for oral discomfort. This is a great pick if you've been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontal disease, and is easy to find at most local stores and here at instacart.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste: Factors to Consider
When selecting the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth, keep these factors in mind:
Desensitizing Ingredients: Look for potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which help block nerve signals that trigger pain.
Enamel Repairing Ingredients: Look for fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite - these help strengthen enamel, aiding in the reduction of sensitivity.
Avoid Abrasive Ingredients: If your teeth are sensitive, avoid overdoing it with harsh abrasives that can wear down enamel with time. Some abrasive ingredients to avoid include activated charcoal, alumina, dicalcium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Consult Your Dentist: Start by seeking the guidance of your dentist to make sure something else isn't going on. Sometimes a product change might not be enough to solve persistent sensitivity issues.
A Note on Usage and Expectations
Remember, the effectiveness of sensitivity toothpaste might take a bit of time to show noticeable results. Consistency is key. When trying a new product, give it 2 weeks to a month and see how you feeling. Also, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, using a soft-bristle toothbrush, and avoiding overly acidic or sugary foods can contribute to a more comfortable oral experience.
Investing in Your Smile's Comfort
Sensitive teeth don't have to dictate your diet or disrupt your daily life. Upgrading your toothpaste might be the answer!
Just remember, the best toothpaste for you is the one you enjoy using twice a day!
Blessings,
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