Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors. Tooth decay, too much plaque on the teeth, root exposure/recession and wear can all cause sensitivity, as can clenching your teeth. Tooth lightening and certain toothpastes can also make your teeth sensitive. Consuming acidic drinks or food can cause sensitivity and also erode tooth structure. Dr. Foote can evaluate your condition, help find the cause, and come up with a solution for your problem. Additionally, he recommends using a low-abrasion toothpaste when you clean your teeth. Here is a list of toothpastes ranked by their RDA (relative dentin abrasivity):
Very Low Abrasive
04 Toothbrush with plain water
07 Straight baking soda
08 Arm & Hammer Tooth Powder
15 Weleda Salt Toothpaste
18 CTx4 Gel
30 Elmex Sensitive Plus
30 Weleda Plant Tooth Gel
35 Arm & Hammer Dental Care
37 Sensodyne ProNamel
Low Abrasive
40 Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel
42 Arm and Hammer Metadent Advanced Whitening
42 Arm and Hammer Peroxicare
45 Weleda Calendula Toothpaste
45 Oxyfresh
48 Arm & Hammer Dental Care Sensitive
49 Arm & Hammer Peroxicare Tartar Control
49 Tom’s of Maine Sensitive
52 Arm & Hammer Peroxicare Regular
53 Rembrant Original
54 Arm & Hammer Sensitive Whitening
54 Arm & Hammer Sensitive Freshening
54 Arm & Hammer Sensitive Multi-Protection
54 Arm & Hammer Complete Care Stain Defense
57 Tom’s of Maine Children’s
62 Super Smile
63 Rembrant Mint
65 Arm & Hammer Complete Care Plus Enamel Strengthening
68 Colgate Regular
70 Colgate Total
70 Arm & Hammer Advance White Sensitive
70 Colgate 2-in-1 Fresh Mint
Medium Abrasive
78 Biotene Gentle Dry Mouth
79 Sensodyne
80 Aim
83 Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength
91 Aquafresh Sensitive
93 Tom’s of Maine Regular
94 Rembrant Plus
95 Crest Regular
95 Oxyfresh with Fluoride
97 Oxyfresh Powder
High Abrasive
100 Colgate Optic White
101 Natural White
103 Mentadent
103 Arm & Hammer Sensation
104 Sensodyne Extra Whitening
106 Colgate Platinum
106 Arm & Hammer Advance White Paste
107 Crest Sensitivity Protection
110 Closeup Paste/Gel
110 Colgate Herbal
113 Aquafresh Whitening
117 Arm & Hammer Advance White Gel
117 Arm & Hammer Sensation Tartar Control
120 Close-Up with Baking Soda
120 Colgate Baking Soda Paste
124 Colgate Whitening
125 Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, Enamel Repair
130 Crest Pro Health
130 Crest Extra Whitening
133 Ultrabrite
144 Crest MultiCare Whitening
145 Ultra Brite Advanced Whitening Formula
145 Colgate Baking Soda & Peroxide Whitening
Harmfully Abrasive
150 Pepsodent
165 Colgate Tartar Control
168 Arm & Hammer Dental Care PM Fresh Mint
176 Nature’s Gate Paste
200 Colgate 2-in-1 Tartar Control/ Whitening or Icy Blast/Whitening
200 Crest White Vivid
260 Ultrabrite Advanced Whitening