The American Dental Association (ADA) has posted a helpful guide on its official website highlighting the common problem of “Sensitive Teeth.” Working with a dentist who knows your specific circumstances is optimal in determining what course of action will be best for you. Sometimes, dentists recommend using desensitizing toothpaste for a period of time to help alleviate your pains.
While there is no toothpaste universally best for sensitive teeth, there are a variety of good options on the market. When shopping for dental products in the United States, the ADA encourages consumers to stick to using products that have the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance, signifying that particular item has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness and has been approved.
But, being tested by the ADA is voluntary, and some popular brands do not have every individual product tested. Work with your dentist to locate the oral hygiene items you’ll be most comfortable with. Here are some of the top picks for sensitive toothpastes that you can likely find at your local drugstore.
Colgate Maximum Strength Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth and Cavity Protection – Price $4.49. Size: 6.0 oz.
This is my personal favorite: Colgate’s pink container of sensitive toothpaste with whitening. The maximum strength formula “contains potassium nitrate, [which is] clinically proven to soothe exposed dentin in the nerve for fast relief.” And even though the toothpaste helps build “increasing protection against painful sensitivity of the teeth to cold, heat, acids, sweets or contact,” the product doesn’t skimp on cavity protection. It’s got a great taste and is affordable.
Although Colgate does have ADA-approved toothpastes, the sensitive formula has not explicitly been accepted. The use of potassium nitrate, however, is ADA-approved.
Sensodyne Iso-Active Foaming Toothpaste – Price: $6.99. Size: 4.3 oz.
Sensodyne is a real gold standard when it comes to desensitizing toothpastes, even boasting “9 out of 10 dentists recommended brand.” The company offers regular tube pastes as well, but the Iso-Actve actually has a gel to foam action, “penetrating hard to reach areas to thoroughly clean the whole mouth and soothe the nerve.” If you’re interested in trying what’s new in oral hygiene for sensitive teeth, this may be the option for you.
The Iso-Active formula is not listed under ADA-approved toothpastes. Sensodyne’s Fresh Impact Toothpaste, on the other hand, has been accepted by the ADA.
Crest Pro-Health Fluoride Toothpaste – Price: $4.89. Size: 7.8 oz.
The ADA-approved Pro-Health formula uses a polyfluorite system for antigingivitis and sensitive teeth. While seemingly less aimed at desensitizing than the first two pastes included in this list, the Crest toothpaste may be a nice choice for those with mild sensitivity issues looking for an overall healthful option. The Crest pick is a budget-friendly choice as well.
Sources:
“ADA.org: Oral Health Topics: Sensitive Teeth.” ADA.org.
