How to Relieve Sensitive Teeth

Whether you’ve toughed it out or made small changes, like chewing on one side of your mouth, you may have figured out how to deal with your sensitive teeth – but there are more effective ways.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the softer inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed. The dentin layer contains tubules that lead to the nerve inside the teeth. This can occur if the enamel (the protective outer layer of your tooth) wears away or the gum recedes, allowing triggers like hot, cold or sweet substances to reach the nerves and cause a painful sensation.i

By taking steps to avoid damaging your enamel and gums, you can help to reduce tooth sensitivity. Or, if you already have sensitive teeth, there are a number of ways you can manage the discomfort when eating hot or cold foods.

Switching to a daily sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne is an easy way to reduce tooth sensitivity and enjoy the foods and drinks you love without thinking twice. Sensodyne toothpastes contain either potassium nitrate, which soothes the nerves and reduces pain signals, or stannous fluoride, which builds a protective layer over exposed dentin to block triggers from reaching the nerves. All Sensodyne toothpastes also contain fluoride to provide protection from tooth decay and strengthen teeth.ii

Learn what you can do to help prevent sensitive tooth pain from starting, or how to get relief if you already experience sensitivity, below.

 

Daily Care for Sensitive Teeth

Treating your sensitive teeth on a daily basis is very important as, once tooth enamel is worn away, it cannot repair itself. This leaves dentin exposed, which can lead to sensitivity.iii

Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee immediate relief from tooth sensitivity pain. However, by taking the following steps, you can help to avoid additional damage to your enamel – and also get some pain relief for your sensitive teeth.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR SENSITIVE TEETH

Start using Sensodyne toothpaste

Brush two times a day, every day, for continued sensitivity relief with Sensodyne toothpastes.

Wait one hour after eating before you brush

Acids in food and drinks can weaken your tooth enamel and make it more vulnerable to being scrubbed away right after eating.v, viii

Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush

They are gentler on your teeth and gums.iv

Balance an acidic diet

Pair acidic foods with less acidic options (water or dairy products, such as milk and cheese) to help prevent enamel erosion.vii, viii

Have acidic foods less often

Try to limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks throughout the day. Only consume them at mealtimes to help reduce exposure to enamel-eroding acids.v

Drink acidic beverages through a straw

This help to avoid contact with your tooth enamel.viii

Visit your dentist

Schedule regular dental checkups to discuss any concerns.

Variety of Sensodyne Toothpaste products for tooth sensitivity

How Sensodyne Works

Video that explains how tooth sensitivity develops in your mouth

0:24

Watch our video to learn what causes tooth sensitivity and how Sensodyne toothpastes help to treat sensitive teeth and prevent sensitivity pain from coming back.

How Sensodyne Can Help

 

5 Star Rating

5.0 Customer Rating

“I’m amazed at how quickly it worked and how after 2 weeks my teeth are so much stronger and less sensitive to cold and hot.”

–Rikki24, Riverside, CA

Learn More

 

Which Sensodyne Toothpaste Is Right for You?

Whether you’re looking for whitening, repairing sensitive areas of your teeth,* fast relief in 3 days,* or extra fresh breath,* Sensodyne offers a wide range of products that all provide relief for sensitive teeth.

Find the Right Toothpaste

*With twice daily brushing

 

TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR TEETH

Start using Sensodyne

Brush 2x a day, every day, for continued relief.

Try a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush

They are gentler on the sensitive areas of your teeth.

Wear a mouth guard

Teeth grinding can cause enamel wear and lead to sensitivity. **

Balance an acidic diet

Pair acidic foods with less acidic options to help prevent enamel erosion.

Visit your dentist

Schedule a checkup every 6 months.

**Sensodyne toothpastes may not help with sensitivity caused by teeth grinding

    Sources

  1. i. Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Treatments. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_33.pdf?la=en. Accessed 05/03/20.↵
  2. ii. Toothpastes. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothpastes. Accessed 05/03/20.↵
  3. iii. Tooth. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tooth. Accessed 06/03/20.↵
  4. iv. Brushing Your Teeth. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth. Accessed 06/03/20.↵
  5. v. Diet and my Teeth. Oral Health Foundation. https://www.dentalhealth.org/diet-and-my-teeth. Accessed 06/03/20.↵
  6. vi. Sensitive Teeth. Oral Health Foundation. https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth. Accessed 06/03/20.↵
  7. vii. Dental erosion. Better Health Channel, Victoria State Government, Australia. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-erosion. Accessed 06/03/20.↵
  8. viii. Erosion: What You Eat and Drink Can Impact Teeth. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/dietary-acids-and-your-teeth. Accessed 06/03/20.↵