Oral Care Advice During the COVID-19 Pandemic. View here

FAQ

Tooth Sensitivity FAQs

  • What is tooth sensitivity?

    Tooth sensitivity is usually a short, sharp pain and frequently occurs when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drinks. You may also feel discomfort when consuming sweet or sour food and drinks, or when you brush your teeth. Many adults have only occasional tooth sensitivity. Some adults experience chronic pain. Tooth sensitivity may be an indication of an underlying dental problem. Please consult your dentist as soon as possible for advice.

  • What causes sensitive teeth?

    Underneath the tooth's protective enamel coating is a highly porous layer called "dentine". Dentine is made from thousands of microscopic tubules. Once dentine is exposed, the nerves in the centre of the tooth become susceptible to triggers such as cold food or drinks and respond with a short, sharp pain.

  • How can I prevent sensitive teeth?

    Avoid brushing too hard and use a soft-bristled toothbrush specially designed for sensitive teeth. Taking good care of your teeth and seeing your dentist regularly can also help protect against conditions that can cause sensitivity, such as gum disease.

  • What triggers sensitive teeth?

    Sensitive teeth are generally caused by gum recession or loss of enamel which can expose the dentine below. Triggers of sensitive teeth include:

    • Cold foods or drinks
    • Hot foods and drinks
    • Sweet or sour (acidic) foods or drinks
    • Toothbrushing
    • Cold air

  • Is tooth sensitivity a common dental problem?

    Yes. Sensitive teeth affect many people and can start at any time. Sensitive teeth may affect people as a result of changes in modern lifestyles and eating habits. As we consume more acidic food and drinks and snack more often during the day, we may be more at risk of developing acid wear, which can lead to sensitive teeth.

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

    Sensitive teeth may indicate an underlying dental problem requiring prompt care by a dentist. See your dentist as soon as possible for advice.

  • Can brushing too hard cause sensitive teeth?

    Yes. Brushing too hard can lead to receding gums. Over time, it can also lead to the wearing away of tooth enamel, which is another way dentine becomes exposed, causing sensitivity.

  • Does Sensodyne come in different variants?

    Sensodyne comes in many different variants to satisfy individual needs:

    Sensodyne Gum Protection
    Sensodyne Complete Protection
    Sensodyne Classic
    Sensodyne Rapid Relief
    Sensodyne Repair & Protect
    Sensodyne Daily Care
    Sensodyne Daily Care Gel
    Sensodyne Gentle Whitening
    Sensodyne Extra Fresh

  • Does Sensodyne have a whitening variant?

    Yes, Sensodyne Gentle Whitening, Sensodyne Repair & Protect Whitening, and Sensodyne Complete Protection.

  • How often should I use Sensodyne?

    Use Sensodyne twice a day, every day, in place of your regular toothpaste.

  • Why should children consult a dentist before using Sensodyne?

    Sensitivity is rarely a problem for children under 12 years, unless it is due to the effects of acid wear on the teeth. Check with your child's dentist to get the proper recommendation.

  • Does Sensodyne contain fluoride?

    Most Sensodyne toothpastes contain fluoride. These include Sensodyne Complete Protection, Repair & Protect, Rapid Relief, Daily Care toothpastes and True White. Sensodyne Classic is the one variant that does not contain fluoride. Check the ingredient list at the time of purchase to see if the product you're choosing contains fluoride.

  • Can I use mouthwash after brushing with Sensodyne?

    Yes, you may use mouthwash or eat or drink after using Sensodyne. We recommend using Sensodyne mouthwash as part of part of your general oral care routine.

  • Why should I use a Sensodyne toothbrush?

    Sensodyne toothbrushes are specially designed for people with sensitive teeth and include features such as soft bristles for gentle brushing, round-ended bristles to help prevent gum irritation and special sizing for easy access inside the mouth. Use a Sensodyne toothbrush in conjunction with Sensodyne toothpastes to help clean and care for your sensitive teeth.

  • Where can I buy Sensodyne toothbrushes?

    Sensodyne toothbrushes are available in the oral care section of most major pharmacy and grocery retailers.

  • Why should I use a Sensodyne mouthwash?

    Sensodyne mouthwash can be used with Sensodyne toothpastes and toothbrushes as part of your overall oral care routine. Formulated for people with sensitive teeth, it has a mild mint taste and fluoride to help strengthen teeth.

  • Can Sensodyne be dabbed on a sensitive tooth for immediate relief?

    Sensodyne Rapid Relief is the only Sensodyne variant recommended for dabbing directly onto sensitive teeth. Sensodyne Rapid Relief can be directly applied by fingertip to a sensitive tooth for one minute to provide fast acting relief. Individual results may vary.

  • Do Sensodyne tooth-whitening formulas actually bleach?

    Sensodyne Gentle Whitening, Sensodyne Repair & Protect Whitening and Sensodyne Complete Protection do not contain any tooth bleaching agents. Whitening toothpastes are designed to help "whiten" teeth by the removal of stains on the surface of the teeth (extrinsic whitening) via a chemical or abrasive action.

  • How long should I use Sensodyne Rapid Relief before I notice less sensitivity?

    Sensodyne Rapid Relief can relieve sensitivity instantly when applied with the fingertip for sixty seconds.* It provides long lasting relief when used twice daily. The strontium acetate in Sensodyne Rapid Relief works by occluding exposed tubules, providing a physical plug within the tubules which helps to prevent the flow of tubular fluid in response to triggers which can cause the short, sharp pain of sensitive teeth.

    *Individual results may vary.

  • What is tooth sensitivity?

    Tooth sensitivity is usually a short, sharp pain and frequently occurs when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drinks. You may also feel discomfort when consuming sweet or sour food and drinks, or when you brush your teeth. Many adults have only occasional tooth sensitivity. Some adults experience chronic pain. Tooth sensitivity may be an indication of an underlying dental problem. Please consult your dentist as soon as possible for advice.

  • How long should I use Sensodyne Repair & Protect before I notice less sensitivity?

    In as little as two weeks when used twice daily.

  • How long should I use Sensodyne Complete Protection before I notice less sensitivity?

    In as little as two weeks when used twice daily.

  • How do Sensodyne Repair & Protect and Sensodyne Complete Protection differ?

    Sensodyne Repair & Protect is targeted at consumers who are more concerned by their sensitivity and want to relieve their pain and protect from future pain.

    Sensodyne Complete Protection targets consumers with sensitive teeth who are looking for multi-benefits and who are not currently treating their dentine hypersensitivity as they don't feel current desensitising toothpastes meet all their oral care needs and preferences.

  • Why has Sensodyne updated the Rapid Relief formulation?

    As a global business, we regularly review our portfolio, which can sometimes result in the reformulation of products to provide effective solutions of the highest quality. New Sensodyne Rapid Relief has been upgraded to include stannous fluoride, replacing the strontium formulation in the original Sensodyne Rapid Relief formula.

    Our studies show that the new formula is effective in relieving tooth sensitivity and provides the other benefits people expect from a toothpaste – including pleasant taste, texture and foaming characteristics. We have conducted a range of clinical studies that show the new Sensodyne Rapid Relief reduces tooth sensitivity from the first use, and relief from sensitivity builds with continued twice-daily use.

    If you have any concerns, we encourage you to seek advice from a dental health professional to help you transition to a new suitable Sensodyne product. People with a known allergy to any of the ingredients in the formulation should not use the product. As with any toothpaste, if oral irritation occurs please discontinue use.

  • Why do I experience a warming sensation when using the new Sensodyne Rapid Relief formula?

    The new Sensodyne Rapid Relief formulation does not contain water – this preserves the ingredients, ready to act in the mouth. When the formulation is first in contact with water in saliva, it generates a very small amount of heat, which results in a warming sensation as you brush your teeth. This sensation is similar to some Sensodyne Repair & Protect products. This sensation may feel different from the original Sensodyne Rapid Relief formulation, which provided a gentle cooling effect as you brush.