Frequently Asked Questions

  • All Topics
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • How Sensodyne Works
  • Sensodyne Ingredients
  • Sensodyne Products
  • Sensodyne and Whitening
  • Enamel Erosion

Tooth Sensitivity

How Sensodyne Works

Sensodyne Ingredients

Sensodyne Products

Sensodyne and Whitening

Enamel Erosion

  • What is enamel erosion?

    Enamel erosion occurs when your tooth enamel, the outer, translucent protective layer of your teeth, wears away, which can cause you to experience tooth sensitivity. Enamel wear can happen as a result of teeth grinding, aggressive brushing, or an acidic diet. Once enamel wears away, it cannot grow back.

    Not sure if your teeth are at risk? Let's find out if Sensodyne or Pronamel toothpaste is right for you.

    For more information on Pronamel, visit Why Pronamel?

  • What causes enamel wear?

    Over time, frequent daily intake of acidic foods and drinks—such as fruit juices, carbonated drinks—can wear away your tooth enamel. This is also known as acid erosion. Other causes of enamel wear include teeth grinding and aggressive brushing.

    To help protect your teeth against enamel erosion, talk to your dentist and use a fluoride toothpaste specially formulated to help strengthen tooth enamel, such as Pronamel.

    For more information on Pronamel, visit Why Pronamel?

  • Can enamel erosion cause sensitive teeth?

    Yes. Enamel is the hard, protective surface of the tooth. Over time, if tooth enamel wears away, it exposes the soft, yellow inner layer known as dentine. This can cause tooth sensitivity as the protection the enamel provides to the tooth and the nerves inside is reduced. This is why, if you have enamel erosion, eating ice cream or sipping hot soup can be painful.

    For more information on enamel erosion, visit Why Pronamel?

  • Should I use Sensodyne or Pronamel toothpaste?

    To find the right toothpaste for you, discuss it with your dentist who can advise what suits you best.

    For more information on Pronamel, visit Why Pronamel?

[1] Addy, M. (2002) 'Dentine hypersensitivity: new perspectives on an old problem', International Dental Journal, 52(S5P2), pp. 367-375.