Did you know that even brushing your teeth can erode enamel? So imagine what all those candies and colas do?
If you experience a sharp twinge of pain every time you enjoy an ice cream or hot coffee, Sensodyne is your savior. It relieves sensitivity, fights cavities, and keeps teeth healthy. Sensodyne should be used daily. It is safe and effective.
It isn’t a magic solution. If there is no improvement, it may signal a deeper issue. In such cases, consult a dentist. You may need proper procedures like a root canal, bonding, or fluoride treatments. Sensodyne is recommended by dentists.
Table of Contents
What does Sensodyne toothpaste do?
Sensodyne comes into play when the enamel on your teeth has worn off. When this happens, the inner part of your teeth, called dentin, becomes exposed. The dentin is full of small tubules that are a sheath for the nerves. These run from the core to the outside of the teeth.
Once exposed, the nerves experience shock and this leads to sensitivity.
Hyper-sensitivity can be because of over-consumption of acidic, sugar foods. It can be caused by medical problems like acid reflux and frequent vomiting. It may also be a pre-existing nerve condition. Your teeth may grind against each other due to nerve irritation.
In all these cases, Sensodyne relieves the pain in the vulnerable, exposed region. The active ingredients will cover up the pores in the dentine. By filling it in, the nerves are covered. They are protected from external stimuli.
They remove plaque and tartar build-up. This way, bacteria cannot cause further inflammation and damage. They also soothe nerves, almost like a painkiller. If used consistently, nerve rawness is reduced.
What is in Sensodyne toothpaste?
Active ingredients
Sensodyne uses one of the following three active ingredients:
- Potassium Nitrate
The potassium calms down nerve function. It reduces the pain signals sent to the brain. This relieves discomfort and aches.
- Sodium fluoride
This compound addresses enamel erosion. It protects the outer layer and combats cavities. Sodium fluoride makes the enamel resistant to attack by acids so that further decay is kept at bay.
- Stannous fluoride
Sometimes Sensodyne also uses stannous fluoride. It is a very effective antimicrobial and anti-bacterial. It is great for keeping gum diseases like gingivitis in check.
Inactive ingredients
- Hydrated Silica
A natural abrasive, it helps to rub off stains and food particles.
- Sorbitol
This is a humectant that attracts moisture. It imparts a smooth texture and consistency.
- Glycerin
Glycerin retains water. It stops the toothpaste from becoming dry and hard.
- Pentasodium triphosphate
This compound is used to remove tartar and plaque. It also softens water, to make the paste more effective.
- PEG-8
This glycol is how the paste smoothly squeezes out the tube. It is a binding agent and a lubricant.
- Xantham Gum
This resin is used to thicken the paste. It also has emulsifying properties that allow the ingredients to blend.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
This is a surfactant and detergent. It makes the paste foam during brushing.
- Sucralose and sodium saccharin
These are added sweeteners that ease the bitterness of the other ingredients.
What are the side effects of Sensodyne toothpaste? Can you be allergic?
The side effects are not very common. But there could be some adverse reactions. You may experience a burning sensation, blisters, mouth sores, and swelling.
It may also leave a strange after-taste. Your tongue may become numb for a short while because the toothpaste is potent. You could also face a temporary loss of taste. Active ingredients like potassium nitrate can inhibit the functioning of taste buds.
You may also experience allergic reactions to some ingredients. Allergies may commonly present as rashes around the mouth. Or your lips may be chapped and dry.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for sensitive teeth?
Yes, Sensodyne is designed to address hypersensitivity. All the different variants under the brand target sensitive gums and teeth. This is in addition to whitening, repair, and breath-freshening functions. Sensodyne needs to be used twice a day for best effects.
Many varieties like Sensodyne Pronamel also repair the enamel on a daily basis. This reinforces the teeth so it stings less. You can also buy Sensodyne soft toothbrushes. These don’t compress against the teeth. It works great with the paste to safeguard sensitive regions.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for bleeding gums, receding gums, and gum disease?
Yes, Sensodyne toothpaste addresses gum disease and related problems. This includes bleeding gums, ulcers, and receding gums. It reduces the amount of bleeding within a month. The Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum range targets both the teeth and gums.
Teeth also have to be kept clean and plaque-free. The bacteria in plaque irritates and inflames the gums. So tackling plaque also keeps the gums healthy.
They also help with receding gums. This issue exposes raw, tender dentinal nerves. Sensodyne forms a protective shield over this area. This reduces chafing and soreness. Dab a little on the area. It will block the pores in the exposed dentin and limit sensory signals.
All these problems can be symptoms of gum diseases like periodontitis or gingivitis. In the case of gingivitis, Sensodyne can gradually reverse the progression of the disease. But not so for periodontitis.
Sensodyne can only keep Periodontitis from worsening. But if redness and swelling haven’t abated after four weeks of consistent use, seek help.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for people with braces?
Sensodyne toothpaste is approved by the American Dental Association. The ADA has recommended the Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste for people with braces. It removes food particles stuck between the braces. These particles generate acid.
Since people with braces have to brush multiple times, Sensodyne is only mildly abrasive. This avoids damage from excessive brushing. It re-hardens enamel which had corroded from acid and sugar intake.
Fluoride also redeposits essential minerals into the saliva and oral cavity. These functions keep teeth extra strong when they are in braces.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for bad breath?
Yes, Sensodyne toothpaste addresses bad breath. Cavities and gum disease can lead to bad breath. Medical conditions like diabetes can contribute too, and so can poor dental hygiene, smoking, and yeast infections.
Sensodyne addresses all these issues. It kills microbes and bacteria. It also helps in the disintegration of calculus (tartar build-up). By doing so, the sulfur releasing particles are destroyed. Sulfur is the main cause of halitosis. Sensodyne keeps your mouth smelling fresh for a longer period.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for mouth ulcers?
Sensodyne toothpaste that does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) should be okay for mouth ulcers. The Sensodyne Iso-active is specially made to address canker sores and blisters that cause painful lesions in the inner mouth lining.
Sensodyne with SLS can aggravate mouth ulcers and sores. You may experience a tingling, smarting sensation and dry mouth. A dry mouth can contribute to the peeling of tissue from the inner cheeks. Pick Sensodyne variants that use Cocamidopropyl betaine instead.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for toothache?
It depends on the reason and source behind your toothache. Underlying issues like progressed cavities, or infection will need medical attention. But for immediate solutions, Sensodyne has you covered.
The following Sensodyne products are great for toothache: Rapid Relief, Complete Protection, and Repair and Protect. They are all gentle on sensitive teeth. They reduce the gnawing hurt.
You can either brush twice daily or apply a pea-sized blob where the gum line touches the tooth.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for pimples?
Sensodyne is not meant for application on pimples. It won’t do any harm. But it doesn’t help much either. It can dehydrate the pimples if left overnight. The pustules and blood will dry out. But this doesn’t heal the pimple, which can recur.
It is a good spot treatment if there are only a few pimples. But for severe acne and rosacea, Sensodyne can aggravate it. Ingredients like glycerin dry out skin. This causes extra oiliness, triggering further breakouts.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste safe during pregnancy?
Yes, Sensodyne should be okay to use during pregnancy. Fluoride toothpaste is generally safe during pregnancy. In fact, brushing becomes even more crucial for carrying women. Teeth become more sensitive and prone to cavities or gum problems.
Sensodyne is mild. It doesn’t hurt while brushing. If the smell isn’t too pungent, it can help women who have bad morning sickness. And it may also be useful for pregnancy-related hyperosmia. The scent might not trigger a gag reflex like other toothpaste.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste safe for dogs?
No, not at all. Human toothpaste are generally not good for dogs. In addition, fluoride can also affect the dog’s system. It is unlikely to cause major damage unless large amounts are eaten. But it can potentially cause stomach problems, diarrhea, and cramps.
Other ingredients also cause intestinal irritation and sickness. Sensodyne uses sweeteners like sodium saccharin and sucralose which your dog may like. It may taste nice to your doggo, but it isn’t a treat. Stick to dog-toothpastes.
Does Sensodyne use safe ingredients?
Sensodyne uses largely safe ingredients. The sections below detail them and their possible effects.
Fluoride
Sensodyne contains fluorides as active ingredients, except for Sensodyne Original. It is beneficial as it protects your enamel and strengthens teeth. In the concentration used, it is perfectly safe. But if ingested above the recommended amount, it can cause fluorosis.
Fluorosis can make matters worse by causing stains and discoloration. Excess fluoride will actually further corrode enamel and crucial minerals. If you have a higher risk of decay and cavities, your dentist may recommend a slightly higher concentration.
Alcohol
Sensodyne only contains sugar alcohol, in the form of sorbitol. This is not real ethyl alcohol. It is a carbohydrate that does not contain ethanol. It may also contain traces of alcohol from sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.
This compound is also not alcohol. But its manufacture involves the use of isopropyl alcohol. So in the conventional sense, Sensodyne is alcohol-free. Alcohol is usually added to kill bacteria, as a solvent and to provide a fresh mouth-feel.
Pork
This can’t be conclusively confirmed. Sensodyne doesn’t add pork deliberately as an ingredient. But it may test on animals, as do the third-party vendors. The suppliers may also use animal or animal-derived products.
Sensodyne is also not certified halal or kosher. Amongst other things, this means there may be traces of animal fat or pork lard. The manufacturing process may contaminate the finished products.
Whether the glycerin used is derived from pork fat or vegetable oils has not been verified.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Some Sensodyne products do contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). They use it in place of Cocamidopropyl betaine and vice versa. It is a surfactant that makes the toothpaste froth. This enables easy application and lubrication.
As a detergent, it draws out food debris and removes it. The foam that it creates is crucial. It helps the toothpaste spread all around the mouth. This ensures that the paste reaches the inner regions. This is where cavities are most likely to form.
Xylitol
Sensodyne uses alternative sweeteners instead of Xylitol. This is a fermented sugar alcohol. It is great to stave off bacteria. Combined with fluorides it makes a great package for better dental hygiene.
It reduces the growth of bacteria by creating a hostile and inhospitable environment in the mouth. It also boosts saliva production which helps with dry mouth symptoms. Sensodyne uses sorbitol instead since it is cheaper to produce. But sorbitol is not as healthy or beneficial as xylitol.
Mint
Only the Sensodyne Mint toothpaste contains a mint flavor. Other tubes of toothpaste have unspecified flavor labels. But mint is not an added ingredient in any of the toothpaste. They don’t contain peppermint or spearmint oils.
These oils contain menthol, which gives off the minty essence and also provides a cooling sensation. It also leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Now whether any generic flavor is mint, remains unknown. This will have to be confirmed with the company.
Gluten
Sensodyne does not contain added gluten or gluten derivatives. But it is not labeled gluten-free. Sensodyne does alert users to the possibility of cross-contamination. Raw material suppliers may use machinery that processes gluten.
So traces of gluten may find their way into the toothpaste too. GSK Consumer Healthcare, the parent company, does not test the finished product. So the presence of accidental remnants of gluten cannot be ruled out. Only the Pronamel toothpaste is labeled 100% gluten-free.
Triclosan
Sensodyne toothpaste does not contain triclosan. Triclosan is an anti-bacterial. It is useful in alleviating symptoms of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. But it has been banned by the U.S. FDA since 2017.
It is not permitted in over-the-counter toothpaste, soaps, and cleaning products. Triclosan can be very toxic, especially when used daily. It can cause hormone imbalances and weaken the immune system. Triclosan use has also been linked to the rise of superbugs (antibiotic-resistant germs).
Titanium Dioxide
Sensodyne toothpaste does contain titanium dioxide. This mineral compound is added as a powdered pigment. It gives the toothpaste its white color and density. It is FDA-approved and safe for regular use.
Animal tests have shown that micro-articles of titanium can affect the liver. But this hasn’t been proven in humans. Only air-borne titanium dioxide is thought to be a possible carcinogen if inhaled. But it isn’t harmful when used in cosmetics like toothpaste and sunscreen.
Salt
Sensodyne does not contain common salt, known as sodium chloride. But it does contain a sodium salt of triphosphoric acid. This is called sodium tripolyphosphate. This salt compound is used to whiten teeth.
It is a chelating agent which binds to the hardened calcium deposits that form when tartar persists for a long time. Through this action, it breaks down accumulated residues. It also removes stains by a similar process. But overuse can compromise and weaken enamel integrity.
Baking soda
Some Sensodyne products do contain baking soda. These include the Original and the Sensodyne Anticavity toothpaste. Baking soda is an alkaline compound that neutralizes the acidity in the mouth. This is also great to stop mouth sores and ulcers.
It balances pH which prevents the bacteria and germs from thriving. It is also moderately coarse. So it is used to gently rub off stains, leaving teeth clean and brighter. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is also not too rough on the enamel.
Can you use expired Sensodyne toothpaste?
You can, but it is quite foul. Toothpaste brands that contain fluoride are now required to print the expiration date. While using expired toothpaste is not dangerous, do know they won’t work very well. Ingredients like fluoride lose their ability to fight bacteria and cavities.
By the time it expires, the different ingredients tend to separate. The texture becomes icky and congealed. It may also begin to taste rancid. But you can get creative by applying it on burns and insect bites.
Can you swallow Sensodyne toothpaste?
It isn’t a great idea. If you accidentally swallow a tiny amount while brushing, don’t worry. But if you ingest large amounts, then you could fall sick. With Sensodyne, fluoride poisoning is a very real possibility.
You may experience stomach pains and digestive difficulty. It can cause mineral imbalances in the body. Diarrhea and nausea are common. This is especially true for kids who are more sensitive.
Swallowing many tubes can cause acute toxicity, although life-threatening reactions are rare.
Does Sensodyne toothpaste whiten teeth?
It certainly does. The Sensodyne Extra Whitening, Pronamel Gentle Whitening, and True White Toothpaste can get you those pearly whites. They use any one or a combination of 5% sodium tripolyphosphate, titanium dioxide, stannous and sodium fluorides.
Sensodyne provides a polish and lightning effect. Silica also prevents new stains from forming on the enamel. You should see visible effects within two weeks to a month. This is certainly a safer option compared to professional bleaching.
References:
- https://www.sensodyne.com/en-us/
- https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/brands/357-Sensodyne/?brand=Sensodyne&category=toothpaste
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