With the range of toothpastes on the market today, it can be hard to know where to begin when looking for a lasting option for sensitive teeth. Luckily, Sensodyne Repair and Protect is a 3-in-1 product that repairs, strengthens, and protects teeth all at once (view on Amazon).
While brushing twice daily is important to keep teeth and gums healthy, tooth sensitivity is a rising problem. Roughly 1 in 8 adults suffer from sensitivity. With this in mind, protection is a vital factor when choosing which toothpaste to commit to long term.
So, what makes a good toothpaste?
Aside from cleaning, toothpaste should also protect teeth and prevent further damage.
The ADA states that a good toothpaste should:
- Contain at least 1000ppm fluoride.
- Be free from sugar (artificial sweeteners can be used in its place).
- Have a relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) of less than 250.
- Help to maintain a long-lasting oral hygiene routine.
In sum, a good toothpaste will be suited to regular and long-term use. A product’s taste, texture, and design can impact this.
| Good toothpaste criteria | Sensodyne Repair And Protect Toothpaste |
|---|---|
| At least 1000ppm fluoride | 1450ppm. |
| Artificial sweeteners | Sodium saccharin. |
| Relative Dentin Abrasivity | 104. |
| Makes you want to use it? | Extra Fresh mint flavor. Comes in a wide tube that stands. |
Repair and Protect uses fluoride to repair the teeth. As a result, it is ideal for sensitive teeth. Sensodyne also relieves pain by desensitizing and restoring teeth. To repair teeth, it creates a layer over damaged areas to shield from pain (see details).
Sensodyne Repair & Protect Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains fluoride for teeth protection.
- Reduces sensitivity.
- Protects dentin from damage.
- Lifts teeth surface stains.
- Helps to freshen breath.
Cons
- Has a high RDA compared to other toothpastes.
- Less likely to produce fast results.
Is it any good?
Sensodyne Repair & Protect is intended for those with sensitive teeth. It repairs teeth by forming a layer over exposed nerves in the teeth. With regular use, this stops sensitivity in its tracks.
5 things you need to know about Sensodyne Repair and Protect Toothpaste
1. How does Sensodyne Repair and Protect work?
As a sensitivity relief toothpaste, Repair and Protect’s main goal is to target sensitive areas by repairing the dentin and forming a shield against further damage.
Hypersensitivity occurs when the tooth’s dentin layer is exposed. Also known as cavities, these holes result from breakdown caused by acidic or sugary foods. Hot and cold foods cause discomfort by entering the holes and reaching the tooth’s nerves.
Repair & Protect contains stannous fluoride. This is an active ingredient that strengthens teeth by entering exposed dentin and sealing a layer on top. The ADA notes that fluoride also ‘increases the fluoride concentration in saliva’, which further enhances the product’s potential (See best price).
2. Will it damage my teeth?
Despite anti-fluoride activism, fluoride is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. Also, because of its remineralizing properties, fluoride is a key ingredient in fighting tooth damage. Because of its sugar free flavor, Sensodyne inhibits further damage and meets FDA approval. However, its RDA rating of 104 puts it in the ‘Highly Abrasive’ zone, and is less suited to those with severe damage.
3. Will it protect my teeth?
Yes. Repair & Protect is designed to protect teeth. Fluoride enters the dental plaque and reverses damage by shielding the dentin layer from sensitivity. It protects teeth from cavities and adverse effects caused by hot or cold foods.
4. How does Sensodyne Repair and Protect Toothpaste taste?
Sensodyne Repair & Protect has an Extra Fresh and Cool Gel mint flavor, which freshens breath and helps teeth to feel cleaner. While many people opt for a mint toothpaste, it may cause burning in those adverse to mint flavors.
5. Is there something better?
This product is suited to those with sensitive teeth. For those with severe damage, Sensodyne ProNamel has an RDA of only 34. If you are affected by strong mint flavors, Sensodyne’s original flavor is more subtle. They also offer a sensitivity whitening toothpaste as an alternative to bleaching.
Bonus Options
Sensodyne Repair & Protect also offer a great value 3-pack that includes a Repair & Protect toothbrush.
- A oral care Multipack for sensitive teeth. The Multipack includes 3x Sensodyne Repair & Protect Whitening...
- It is important to change your toothbrush regularly to help ensure effective teeth cleaning
- Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste provides strong repair for sensitive teeth and forms a protective layer...
Sensodyne Repair and Protect Toothpaste ingredients
Active
Stannous fluoride.
Inactive
Glycerin, PEG-8, hydrated silica, pentasodium triphosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate, flavor, titanium dioxide, polyacrylic acid, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium saccharin.
Active ingredients cause direct changes in chemical compounds. In contrast, non-active ingredients usually act as binding agents. It is worth noting that they do not affect the body.
Sensodyne Repair & Protect Toothpaste summary
In short, Sensodyne Repair and Protect toothpaste uses stannous fluoride to enter exposed holes in the teeth’s dentin layers. Because of this, the formula enters the enamel and forms a barrier against damage. It also lifts surface stains. As well as this, sodium saccharin enhances flavor while preventing damage caused by sugar. Read our full review of Sensodyne toothpaste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this product damage my teeth?
Sensodyne Repair & Protect is designed to restore teeth by filling exposed holes in the dentin. However, the toothpaste has an RDA rating of 104. The ADA recommended upper limit is 250 This means it features fairly high on the RDA scale. With this in mind, Sensodyne is most suited to those with occasional rather than severe sensitivity.
What makes Sensodyne anticavity?
Stannous fluoride is the active ingredient. This enters the dental plaque to form a barrier against damage. This includes areas affected by cavities.
How often should I use Sensodyne?
The ADA suggests brushing twice daily and no more than three times a day.
How does Sensodyne make my teeth less sensitive?
Sensodyne fills the tooth and obstructs its nerves. This enables Sensodyne to repair the tooth surface and protect against sensitivity caused by hot and cold foods.
Are there any other flavors?
Sensodyne Repair & Protect comes in Extra Strength and Cool Gel. These are both fairly strong mint flavors. Sensodyne also has an Original Pink flavor, which is more subtle.
Is this a whitening toothpaste?
This is not a whitening toothpaste. Although, Sensodyne contains stannous fluoride which can lift artificial surface stains on the tooth. However, Sensodyne offers other whitening products designed for those with sensitive teeth.
How soon can I expect results?
For best results, brush twice daily. Results will likely show within 1 to 2 weeks of use.
Can this product remove stains?
Yes. Stannous fluoride can remove surface stains. Yet, because it doesn’t contain peroxide, it will not whiten teeth beyond their natural shade.
Can I use this with whitening strips?
While this product can be used with bleaching strips, its high RDA rating means that it runs the risk of further damage when combined with peroxide. Also, some bleaching strips can affect sensitive teeth.
Does the tube stand?
Yes. Sensodyne Repair & Protect comes in a wide tube that stands.
- Sensodyne Repair & Protect Toothpaste 75ml