Tip to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity

One of the most common concerns I hear from my patients is “Doctor, my teeth are very sensitive.” However, an exam often reveals a healthy mouth with no obvious reasons for the complaint.  Tooth sensitivity is a problem.

So what is going on here? The answer may be surprising.

It’s your toothpaste!

The chemicals in toothpastes that control tartar and whiten teeth have one bad side effect…they cause sensitivity. Furthermore, the amount of whitening and tartar control you get from these products is minimal. And just to make it more maddening, they cost more than plain toothpaste!  The resulting amount of sensitivity can be enough to affect your diet, as you tend to avoid foods that cause the most pain. I have seen patients that can’t even breathe through their mouths because of the sensitivity.

A change to a desensitizing toothpaste or a plain toothpaste that doesn’t have a whitening or tartar control agent will, in a surprising number of cases, solve the problem.

I hope you find this information useful.