Dr. Messina weighs in regarding a new systematic review published this summer!
At our practice here in Louisville, Colorado, we believe great dentistry starts with truly caring about the people we serve. That means listening to your concerns, understanding your individual needs, and making treatment recommendations based on the best information available. Evidence-based dentistry allows us to combine current research, our clinical experience, and what matters most to you when making decisions about your care.
Because dental science is always evolving, Dr. Messina and our entire clinical team make it a priority to continue learning and to stay up to date with the latest research. We’re proud to bring that knowledge into the practice—not simply because we want to offer the latest treatments, but because we want you to feel confident that the care we recommend is thoughtful, informed, and right for you.
Today on Dr. Messina's blog, we're taking a look at a systematic review published this summer which examines whether certain toothpastes actually help sensitive teeth. Read on to get our take on this important topic, informed by this current dental evidence!
If you've ever taken a sip of ice-cold water and felt a sudden, sharp jolt in one or more teeth, you're not alone. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental complaints we hear—and fortunately, there are several ways to manage it.
But with so many dental products on the shelves, you may wonder: Do "sensitivity" toothpastes actually work? And does it matter which one you choose?
A new systematic review and network meta-analysis published in Periodontology 2000 last month looked at the available research to help answer exactly that question. The researchers analyzed randomized clinical trials involving thousands of patients with dentin hypersensitivity and compared different toothpaste formulations. Here's what the latest evidence tells us!
First: What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
The outer layer of your teeth, enamel, protects the underlying dentin. When dentin becomes exposed—often because of gum recession, enamel wear, erosion, or other changes to the tooth—hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can stimulate the nerves inside the tooth.
This can produce the familiar short, sharp pain associated with sensitivity.
Sensitivity can occur for many reasons, including:
- Gum recession
- Tooth wear or enamel erosion
- Acidic foods and beverages
- Aggressive brushing
- Tooth grinding or clenching
- Recent dental procedures
- Tooth whitening
Importantly, not every sensitive tooth has dentin hypersensitivity. A cavity, cracked tooth, defective filling, or inflammation of the dental pulp can also cause sensitivity or tooth pain.
That's why persistent or unusual sensitivity deserves a dental evaluation rather than simply being treated with toothpaste.
What Did the New Study Find?
Researchers led by A. J. Gormley conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of dentifrices (toothpastes) used to treat dentin hypersensitivity.
Rather than looking at one individual study, the researchers brought together evidence from many randomized clinical trials and compared the effectiveness of different toothpaste formulations.
The review found evidence supporting several desensitizing ingredients, with particularly consistent evidence for stannous fluoride and arginine-containing formulations.
Stannous fluoride had especially strong evidence for reducing sensitivity triggered by cold air or other evaporative stimuli.
In other words, the research supports something we have known clinically for some time: the ingredients in your toothpaste can matter when you're trying to manage sensitive teeth.
Read the full systematic review in Periodontology 2000
So, Should You Switch Your Toothpaste?
Not necessarily.
If you don't have sensitive teeth, there isn't a reason to switch to a sensitivity toothpaste simply because of this study.
But if you regularly experience sensitivity, choosing a toothpaste formulated specifically for dentin hypersensitivity is a reasonable first step.
When you're standing in the toothpaste aisle, look for products containing evidence-supported desensitizing ingredients such as stannous fluoride or arginine.
It's also important to remember that toothpaste is only part of the picture. The best product for you depends on your individual dental health, the cause of your sensitivity, your tolerance for different products, and what you will use consistently.
What About Regular Fluoride Toothpaste?
This is an important point: a sensitivity toothpaste does not replace the importance of fluoride.
Fluoride toothpaste remains an important part of daily cavity prevention. Many sensitivity toothpastes contain fluoride as well as an ingredient specifically intended to reduce sensitivity.
So you don't have to choose between protecting your teeth from cavities and addressing sensitivity.
What Else Can You Do for Sensitive Teeth?
Your toothpaste isn't the only factor that matters.
Brush gently
More pressure doesn't mean cleaner teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure, particularly around areas where the gums have receded.
Be mindful of acidic foods and drinks
Frequent exposure to acidic foods and beverages can contribute to enamel erosion. Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, citrus beverages, and other acidic foods and drinks can all contribute to acid exposure.
You don't necessarily need to eliminate these foods and drinks. Instead, try to reduce frequent sipping or grazing and choose water throughout the day.
Don't ignore grinding or clenching
Tooth grinding and clenching can contribute to tooth wear and may play a role in sensitivity. If you wake up with jaw soreness, notice worn or chipped teeth, or have been told that you grind your teeth, mention it at your next dental visit.
Give your toothpaste time to work
Desensitizing toothpaste isn't an instant anesthetic. Consistent use is important, and it may take some time before you notice a meaningful improvement.
When Is Sensitivity a Sign That You Should See Your Dentist?
This is perhaps the most important part of the conversation.
Tooth sensitivity shouldn't automatically be assumed to be "just sensitivity."
It's worth having an evaluation if:
- One particular tooth is significantly more sensitive than the others.
- Your pain lingers after the cold or hot stimulus is gone.
- You experience spontaneous tooth pain.
- It hurts when you bite or chew.
- Your sensitivity is getting worse.
- You notice a crack, chipped tooth, cavity, or broken filling.
- Sensitivity is interfering with eating or drinking.
- Your symptoms don't improve with appropriate home care.
Dr. Messina practices right here in the heart of Boulder Valley, and she can determine whether you're dealing with exposed dentin or whether another problem—such as decay, a cracked tooth, gum recession, or inflammation inside the tooth—is responsible.
The Bottom Line
The newest research gives us more information about an everyday problem that can be surprisingly frustrating.
For patients with true dentin hypersensitivity, toothpastes containing certain desensitizing ingredients—including stannous fluoride and arginine—have evidence supporting their use.
But the right toothpaste is only one piece of the puzzle.
If your teeth are sensitive, the most important first step is understanding why.
A sensitive tooth isn't something you necessarily have to live with—and you don't have to guess your way through the toothpaste aisle.
If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, Dr. Messina and our team would be happy to help determine what's causing it and recommend an approach that's appropriate for your teeth and your oral health. Give us a call or stop on by! It is always our pleasure to care for our Front Range friends and neighbors :)
We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!