This article takes a look at the Sensodyne range of toothpastes – and the range is big. Here we look at what differentiates each product to help you find the one that best matches your needs.
Toothpaste matters. Your oral hygiene regime may be simple or complex, but toothpaste is at its very core. If a toothpaste is not a good match for your needs it can create or worsen problems and make brushing a chore. Find the right match though, and brushing can become a pleasurable ritual.
This article will:
- look at what causes sensitivity;
- examine what makes Sensodyne unique;
- overview the Sensodyne range to help you identify which one might suit you best;
- review four popular Sensodyne products;
- provide an overall summary of the brand.
What causes Sensitivity?
According to the American Dental Association one in eight of us experience tooth sensitivity.
It’s caused when tooth enamel becomes worn or damaged and the dentine underneath is exposed. Dentine contains microscopic channels or tubes. Once exposed these channels can carry sensations like heat or cold to the nerve in the center of the tooth. This is experienced as a sharp pain.
It can happen due to:
- Over vigorous brushing
- Abrasive toothpaste
- Gum disease and gum recession
- Too much acidic food
- Genetic predisposition.
What makes Sensodyne unique?
Quite simply it’s the number one professionally recommended toothpaste for those with sensitive teeth.
Sensodyne are both pioneers and leaders in the world of tooth sensitivity. They’ve been in the business of relieving pain caused by sensitivity and protecting teeth for over half a century.
Their vision, quite simply, is to create “a future where every life is sensitivity-free”.
This matters because if your oral hygiene regime is painful, you won’t rush to brush. You may even avoid it. Not taking care of your oral health could not only spoil your smile, but studies show it could impact on your overall systemic health.
What are my options?
Lots. Whatever your specific priorities are – whitening, repairing vulnerable areas, fresh breath, enamel care, deeper cleaning… You name it, Sensodyne have you covered.
The entire range provides specialist care for sensitive teeth, fresh breath and protection against decay.
There are numerous variations available. To help you decide, we provide short reviews for three of the most popular and versatile Sensodyne products below.
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Cool Mint Toothpaste
The main aim of this toothpaste is to strengthen tooth enamel and protect it against the effects of acid attack.
Acids contained in everyday food and drink attack tooth enamel, stripping it of minerals and thinning it. This may lead to exposure of the sensitive yellow dentine underneath, one cause of yellowing teeth and the main cause of pain and sensitivity.
Minerals naturally found in saliva slowly help to restore the ph balance in your mouth and remineralise your teeth.
Sensodyne Pronamel is formulated to ensure that the fluoride it contains, as well as the minerals in your saliva, are more efficiently absorbed and retained by tooth enamel.
Sensodyne Pronamel gentle whitening helps to restore natural whiteness by hardening and strengthening tooth enamel, rather than by polishing teeth to lift stains. It also contains titanium dioxide which is a bright white pigment that refracts light and makes teeth look whiter for a limited time.
Pros
- #1 dentist recommended product for strengthening & protecting tooth enamel
- Contains fluoride to protect against decay
- Helps to restore natural whiteness
- Low abrasivity
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate free
Cons
- Not specifically designed to lift stains
- Disputed concerns about the use of Titanium Dioxide
- A little more costly than regular toothpaste
This toothpaste is suitable for anyone with sensitivity and thinning enamel which may be causing yellowing teeth.
Multi pack options are the best way to save money on this product.
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Ingredients
Active
Contains: Sodium Fluoride 0.315% w/w (1450 ppm Fluoride) and Potassium Nitrate 5% w/w.
Inactive
Aqua, Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Glycerine, Potassium Nitrate, PEG-6, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Aroma, Titanium Dioxide, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene.
If your teeth are stained due to smoking or the consumption of products such as red wine, tea or coffee, this particular Sensodyne Toothpaste may not be the right one for you.
- A complete oral care regime kit for enamel protection
- The kit includes 3x Sensodyne Pronamel gentle whitening toothpastes and 1x Sensodyne Pronamel soft toothbrush
- It's important to change your toothbrush regularly to help ensure effective teeth cleaning
Sensodyne Sensitive Repair and Protect Whitening Toothpaste
The aim of this toothpaste is seek out and repair weakened areas of the teeth where the dentine may be exposed. Dentine contains tiny tubes that can carry sensations to the nerves. This is what causes pain and sensitivity.
Sensodyne Repair and Protect uses a patented formula that combines with water and saliva to form a protective coating. This coating crystallizes to form hydroxyapatite, a substance similar to the minerals naturally found in teeth. It works to fill and cover the tubes in dentin to stop sensations reaching the nerve.
The patented formula, known as Novamin, combines fluoride with calcium, sodium, silica and phosphorus. So as well as relieving sensitivity the toothpaste protects teeth from decay and acid erosion by strengthening tooth enamel.
Pros
- Contains fluoride to protect teeth
- Reduces sensitivity.
- Clinically proven to repair damage if used as directed
- Freshens breath.
Cons
- Surprisingly high relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) of 104.
- Disputed concerns about the use of Titanium Dioxide
- Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate which can be an irritant.
This product is aimed at those with particularly sensitive teeth. However, if you have severe damage, Sensodyne ProNamel has an RDA of only 34 which makes it much gentler on tooth enamel.
Sensodyne Repair & Protect Ingredients
Active
Stannous fluoride.
Inactive
Glycerin, PEG-8, hydrated silica, pentasodium triphosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate, flavor, titanium dioxide, polyacrylic acid, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium saccharin.
Read our more detailed review of Sensodyne Repair and Protect.
- 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 Toothpaste Full Protection + Whitening
As its name suggests, this is an all-round product which offers gum protection, fresh breath, plaque control, enamel strengthening, relief from sensitivity and whitening.
The active ingredients in Sensodyne Full Protection with whitening are Fluoride and Potassium nitrate. The potassium nitrate works to block pain signals whilst the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helping to build up protection against sensitivity.
To whiten teeth, hydrated silica is used to polish teeth and lift stains. Additionally, titanium dioxide is used. This is a bright white pigment which refracts light and makes teeth appear whiter.
Pros
- Potassium Nitrate reduces sensitivity
- Contains fluoride
- Fights plaque build up and promotes healthy gums.
- It whitens teeth by removing surface stains.
Cons
- Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
- Disputed concerns about the use of Titanium Dioxide
- High abrasivity (107)
Sensodyne full protection is aimed at those with sensitive teeth who want an all-round product.
Sensodyne Full Protection Ingredients:
Active
Potassium Nitrate (5%) (Antihypersensitivity), Sodium Fluoride (0.145% w/v Fluoride Ion) (Anticavity)
Inactive
Water, hydrated silica, sorbitol, glycerin, pentasodium triphosphate, PEG-8, flavor, titanium dioxide, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, sodium saccharin, sucralose
If you have really sensitive teeth, Sensodyne ProNamel has an relative dentin abrasivity of only 34 which makes it much kinder to tooth enamel.
Sensodyne customer service
In the UK Sensodyne can be contacted by email at customer.relations@gsk.com
You can also visit their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pages: https://www.sensodyne.com/en-gb/faqs/
To report any side effects or complain the telephone number is 0800 028 14 49
Sensodyne toothpaste conclusion
Sensodyne is the number one professionally recommended toothpaste for those with sensitive teeth. Its vision is to create “a future where every life is sensitivity-free”.
This matters because if your oral hygiene regime is painful, you won’t enjoy brushing and may try to avoid it.
There is a wide range of products in the Sensodyne brand, each one meets slightly different needs. In our view, due to its low abrasivity, the Pronamel range is definitely worth considering.
Sensitivity may be an indicator of a more serious underlying problem so you should discuss it with your dentist. She or he may then be able to help you identify which Sensodyne product is the right match for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sensodyne contain triclosan?
Glaxo Smith Kline claim none of their products contain Triclosan.
What is the difference between Sensodyne Repair and Sensodyne Pronamel?
ProNamel® products are engineered to help protect teeth from the effects of acid erosion.
Repair products are designed to fill and cover the tubes in exposed dentine in order to block pain signals.
Both products contain stannous fluoride, which helps to remineralise teeth and strengthen enamel.
What does Alpine Breeze taste like? Is it minty?
Yes, it is mint flavoured but not strong.
Are these products tested on animals?
Yes, Glaxo Smith Kline products are not cruelty free.
How do desensitizing toothpastes work?
If enamel becomes worn, sensitive dentin can be exposed. Different Sensodyne products deal with this in different ways. Products with potassium nitrate soothe the nerves inside the tooth and block pain signals. Products with Novamin fill and block the holes or tubes in exposed dentin. All products (except Sensodyne Original) contain fluoride which builds a strong restorative layer over the exposed dentin to create a barrier to pain trigger such as heat or cold.
How long will it be before I notice less sensitivity?
Clinical studies show that Sensodyne will relieve tooth sensitivity within four weeks if used as directed.
Are there any fluoride free Sensodyne products?
Only Sensodyne Original is fluoride free.
What is the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) for Sensodyne toothpaste?
Although all Sensodyne toothpastes comply with the American Dental Association (ADA) standards for RDA, there is a wide variation amongst them. Values range from 35 to 140.