FAQ

Tooth sensitivity FAQs

  • What is tooth sensitivity?

    Dentinal hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, is a common dental problem that can arise when dentine, the inner part of the tooth, becomes exposed. It’s a condition that can develop over time, as a result of common problems such as receding gums and enamel wear. 

    Find out What Causes Sensitive Teeth

  • What causes tooth sensitivity?

    Tooth sensitivity can start to happen when the softer, inner part of the tooth called ‘dentine’ becomes exposed. Dentine lies under the enamel and the gums. Thousands of microscopic channels run through the dentine towards the centre of the tooth. Once the dentine is exposed, external triggers (such as a cold drink) can stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, resulting in the characteristic short, sharp pain of tooth sensitivity.

    See What Causes Sensitive Teeth to find out more

  • How can I protect myself against sensitivity?

    Talk to your dentist about the symptoms you are experiencing. They can confirm that tooth sensitivity is the cause of your problem and then advise you on how to care for sensitive teeth, for example, what is the best toothbrushing technique for you, how often and when. In addition, you can relieve the painful symptoms of tooth sensitivity by changing your regular toothpaste to a daily use toothpaste specially formulated to treat sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne

    See Ongoing Oral Care For Sensitive Teeth to find out more 

  • What triggers sensitive teeth?

    A range of things can trigger a twinge or tooth pain for people with sensitive teeth. Here’s some of the most common triggers for tooth sensitivity:

    • Cold foods or beverages
    • Hot foods or beverages
    • Sugary foods
    • Sour foods
    • Breathing in cold air
    • Brushing teeth 

    See Common Triggers of Sensitive Teeth to find out more.

  • Is tooth sensitivity a common dental problem?

    Yes. Sensitive teeth may affect as many as 1 in 3 people, even young adults. Most sufferers are between 20 and 50 years old.

  • Is tooth sensitivity a sign of a more serious dental problem?

    There can be many different causes of dental pain other than tooth sensitivity. So if you are feeling any tooth pain or discomfort, especially if it persists, the best thing you can do is visit your dentist and seek professional advice. 

    See Other Reasons for Sensitivity to find out more.

  • Can brushing too hard cause sensitive teeth?

    Brushing overly aggressively or more frequently than your dentist recommends can contribute to gum recession and wear enamel. Over time, receding gums and enamel loss can lead to exposed dentine and tooth sensitivity.

    See Other Reasons for Sensitivity to find out more

  • Can tooth whitening cause sensitivity?

    Tooth whitening here means whitening treatments carried out under the supervision of your dentist. These treatments contain bleaching agents (peroxide), which are known to cause sensitivity in some patients. This is not the same as dentinal hypersensitivity, which happens as a result of having exposed dentine (the softer, inner part of the tooth). Speak to your dentist about bleaching-related sensitivity if you are considering having a tooth whitening treatment.

    See do Whitening Treatments Cause Sensitivity for more information

Frequent Questions about toothpaste for sensitivity

  • What is the #1 dentist recommended toothpaste for sensitive teeth?

    Sensodyne toothpaste is the #1 dentist recommended toothpaste for sensitive teeth. 9 out of 10 dentists recommend it for patients with sensitive teeth..

  • How do desensitizing toothpastes work?

    People with exposed dentine are susceptible to tooth sensitivity, triggered, for example, by cold drinks or hot food. Sensodyne toothpastes with potassium nitrate work to soothe the nerves inside the tooth. Each Sensodyne toothpaste, is proven to relieve the pain of tooth sensitivity with twice daily brushing.

  • Does Sensodyne toothpaste come in different variants?

    Sensodyne toothpaste comes in many different variations to meet individual needs and preference:

  • How often should I use Sensodyne toothpaste?

    Use Sensodyne toothpaste twice a day, every day, in place of your regular toothpaste for ongoing protection from tooth sensitivity. Ask your dentist for advice about the best oral hygiene routine for you. 

  • How long will I use Sensodyne before I notice less sensitivity?

    Sensitivity toothpastes require a period of twice daily use to benefit from lasting protection against the pain of dentinal hypersensitivity. 

    Clinical studies have shown that sensitivity toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, such as Sensodyne, relieve tooth sensitivity in as little as 2 weeks, with twice daily brushing. 

    Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sensitive teeth may indicate an underlying problem that needs prompt care. If symptoms persist or worsen, see your dentist.

  • Once I stop using Sensodyne toothpaste will my tooth sensitivity return?

    Clinical studies investigating the efficacy of potassium nitrate-containing sensitivity toothpastes have shown that the pain of sensitive teeth begins to return when usage stopped.

    Sensodyne toothpastes are daily use toothpastes, developed to help relieve dentinal hypersensitivity, when used as directed, twice a day, every day.

    Please consult your dentist for advice about sensitive teeth, and the best oral hygiene routine and toothpaste for you.

    Always read the label and follow the directions for us. Sensitive teeth may indicate an underlying problem that needs prompt care. If symptoms persist or worsen, see your dentist.

     

  • Why should children under 12 consult a dentist before using Sensodyne toothpaste?

    Sensodyne toothpaste is not recommended for use by children under the age of 12.  Sensitivity is rarely a problem in children that young. Check with your child's dentist for appropriate advice and recommendation.

  • Does Sensodyne toothpaste contain fluoride?

    All Sensodyne toothpastes variants contain fluoride.

  • Does Sensodyne contain triclosan?

    Sensodyne toothpastes do not contain triclosan

  • Can I use mouthwash after brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste?

    Yes, you may use mouthwash after using Sensodyne toothpaste. Ask your dentist for advice on the best oral hygiene routine for you.

    Sensodyne offers a daily use mouthrinse specially formulated to help protect against tooth sensitivity, and also contains fluoride to help strengthen your teeth.

  • What is the Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA) for Sensodyne toothpaste?

    RDA is a widely accepted measure of toothpaste abrasivity. All Sensodyne toothpastes comply with the American Dental Association (ADA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines for daily use dentifrices.

    Sensodyne toothpastes have RDA values in the range of 13-140, depending on the variants available in your country. Toothpastes with an RDA of up to 250 are considered suitable for everyday use.

  • Do Sensodyne toothpaste tooth-whitening formulas actually bleach as well as relieve sensitivity?

    Sensodyne toothpaste whitening formulas do not bleach. They contain a matrix of polishing and cleaning ingredients which all contribute to their tooth cleaning and whitening effect with twice daily brushing. Sensodyne toothpaste variants contain proven desensitising active ingredients.

  • Is Sensodyne toothpaste safe to use during tooth-whitening treatments?

    Dentinal hypersensitivity is a common and painful condition of the teeth which can arise when the dentine of the tooth becomes exposed (typically as a result of gingival recession or tooth wear). The sensitivity which can be experienced during and after professional whitening treatments is different. In this case, the bleaching component of the treatments is believed to penetrate the tooth, causing sensitivity.

    Clinical studies indicate that toothpastes containing potassium nitrate can reduce the sensitivity associated with professional whitening procedures. In these studies, subjects using Sensodyne  with potassium nitrate for two weeks prior to, and during whitening treatment experienced less sensitivity post treatment, compared to those using a regular fluoride toothpaste.

    Speak to your dentist about bleaching-related sensitivity if you are considering having a tooth whitening treatment. Use Sensodyne products as directed on the product label.

  • How is Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste different from the other Sensodyne toothpaste?

    Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste uses a different active ingredient. The active ingredient used in Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste is NovaMin, which builds a protective, reparative layer over the sensitive areas of the teeth. Brush twice a day for lasting sensitivity protection.