This is probably the most common question a dentist gets asked (both in the office and out!), and there are lots of different answers to it!
I wanted to take a picture of what I use so you can see. Isn’t it funny all these tubes of toothpaste were in my drawer?
I used to have very sensitive teeth, and the only toothpaste that was working for me was Sensodyne Rapid. The good news is you can decrease teeth sensitivity with the right toothpaste for you and time. These days I mostly use Sensodyne Repair and Protect (the one in 4 pack from Costco, but I have some others in the rotation. I like to diversify (mostly because I like to brush 3 to 4 times a day!)
My recommendations:
- If you have sensitive teeth, use a desensitizing toothpaste (such as Sensodyne) and stick with the same one for at least 8 weeks to see if it works for you. Using different kinds of toothpaste during this time will undo the effects of the sensitivity toothpaste.
- Fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay. If you are susceptible to cavities, you should definitely use fluoride toothpaste.
- Your choice of toothpaste doesn’t matter as much as the technique and frequency of brushing when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums. Ensure you are brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes.
Be aware that whitening toothpaste, in general, is the most abrasive and can increase teeth sensitivity, especially important if you have receding gums.
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Langley Perio & Implants
6351 197th Street
Langley, BC V2Y 1X8
(604) 227-1869