Why treat Sensitive Teeth with Sensodyne Toothpaste

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1. Which type of fluoride is in Sensodyne, and what is its concentration?
2. Why does Sensodyne offer seven different formulas?
3. With so many different flavors and formulations of Sensodyne, I’m confused about which one to recommend.
4. How can you have a dentifrice that claims to control tartar and relieve dentinal hypersensitivity in the same product?
5. How abrasive is Sensodyne?
6. Which Sensodyne formulations do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate?
7. Why shouldn’t Sensodyne be "dabbed" on?
8. Is Sensodyne safe to use every day?
9. Is swallowing Sensodyne harmful?
10. Why does the package state that Sensodyne should not be used longer than 4 weeks unless recommended by a dentist or physician?

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1. Which type of fluoride is in Sensodyne, and what is its concentration?

The concentration is approximately 1100 ppm fluoride ion. The concentration expressed as a percent weight by volume varies from 0.13% to 0.15% depending on the density of the formula.

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2. Why does Sensodyne offer seven different formulas?

To help ensure patient compliance, Sensodyne provides both a variety of flavors (Fresh Impact, Original, Fresh Mint and Cool Gel) and added benefits (Baking Soda, Tartar Control plus Whitening and Extra Whitening) that meet the largest array of patient preferences.
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3. With so many different flavors and formulations of Sensodyne, I’m confused about which one to recommend.

Many dental professionals start by recommending a flavor most closely representing the dentifrice previously used by the patient. Among the recommendations for using Sensodyne to control dentinal hypersensitivity, clinicians may choose to recommend a baking soda, tartar control or whitening formulation to provide additional benefits.

Sensodyne is available in 7 formulas: Fresh Impact, Original, Fresh Mint, Cool Gel, Baking Soda, Tartar Control plus Whitening and Extra Whitening.

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4. How can you have a dentifrice that claims to control tartar and relieve dentinal hypersensitivity in the same product?

Tartar control agents such as tetrapotassium pyrophosphate act by inhibiting crystallization, which can predispose a patient to hypersensitivity. Previous formulations of desensitizing dentifrices contained strontium chloride, which acted as a tubule blocker. Both of these ingredients could be in conflict with one another. However, current formulations of desensitizing dentifrices contain potassium nitrate, which acts by nerve depolarization and thus, would not be compromised by a tartar control agent inhibiting crystallization.

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5. How abrasive is Sensodyne?

All Sensodyne formulas are typically 70 to 75 RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion index). Sensodyne Extra Whitening and Sensodyne Tartar Control plus Whitening formulations have a slightly higher index (87 RDA).

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6. Which Sensodyne formulations do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate?

Original Flavor and Cool Gel do not contain SLS.

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7. Why shouldn’t Sensodyne be "dabbed" on?

There is no clinical evidence to support dabbing as an effective means of application. Sensodyne clinical studies were performed using brushing as the method of application. Sensodyne needs to be brushed on to be most effective.

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8. Is Sensodyne safe to use every day?

Yes, Sensodyne contains ingredients approved by the FDA. Sensodyne is formulated for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity and cavity prevention.

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9. Is swallowing Sensodyne harmful?

The FDA requires the following statement on the packaging of all toothpaste products. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Naturally, you should keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.

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10. Why does the package state that Sensodyne should not be used longer than 4 weeks unless recommended by a dentist or physician?

The FDA requires this statement on the packaging of all over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes. Sensitive teeth may indicate a serious problem that may need prompt care by a dentist. Do not use this product longer than four weeks unless recommended by a dentist or physician.

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