Pakistan Dental Guide 3 min read
Choosing a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth in Pakistan
Desensitising toothpastes work in different ways, and most need several uses before they help. Here is what to look for on the label, and when sensitivity needs a dentist.
This guide relates to our fillings treatment.
Why do teeth become sensitive?
Sensitivity happens when the layer under the enamel, called dentine, loses its protective covering. Its tiny tubules then let hot, cold, acidic or sticky food reach the nerve. Causes include decay, cracked or worn teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, and exposed roots when the gums recede.
If you have sensitivity, the cause matters. Our sensitive teeth guide explains the causes and treatments, and a dentist can check for decay or a worn filling that may be the reason.
What ingredients should you look for?
Two ingredients are common in desensitising toothpastes. Potassium nitrate works by calming the nerve, and stannous fluoride works by blocking the tubules. Many toothpastes contain fluoride as well, which strengthens the enamel.
Most sensitivity toothpastes contain just one of the desensitising ingredients, because combining potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride in one formula is technically difficult.
| Ingredient | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Potassium nitrate | Calms the nerve so it responds less to hot and cold |
| Stannous fluoride | Blocks the tubules and reduces sensitivity |
| Fluoride | Strengthens the enamel and helps prevent decay |
How long does a sensitivity toothpaste take to work?
Desensitising toothpaste usually takes several uses before sensitivity drops, so do not judge it after one brushing. Use it twice a day, and brush gently with a soft brush.
A clinical study found that a potassium nitrate toothpaste produced a statistically significant decrease in sensitivity scores. Results vary from person to person, and the toothpaste does not fix a cracked tooth or a deep decay.
How do you choose one in Pakistan?
Desensitising toothpastes are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets in Pakistan. Choose one that lists a desensitising ingredient and fluoride on the label, and read the instructions. We do not recommend a particular brand here, because the best choice depends on your teeth and your dentist's advice.
If the sensitivity stays after several weeks of using the toothpaste, book a dentist visit, because that is when a filling, crown or gum treatment may be needed.
When to see a dentist in Multan
Book a visit if sensitivity lasts beyond a few weeks, or if pain comes with cold or sweet food. We are open Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and we are closed on Fridays. Message us on WhatsApp about sensitive teeth and we will check the cause.
How to use a sensitivity toothpaste properly
Brush gently with a soft brush, using a small amount of paste. Spread the toothpaste over the sensitive area and leave it for a moment before rinsing lightly. Keep using it twice a day, because the effect builds up over several uses.
Avoid brushing hard, which can wear the enamel and expose more of the sensitive layer. If sensitivity is on one tooth only, the cause may be a filling or a crack, and a dentist should look at it.
This article is general information. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Does sensitivity toothpaste work straight away?
Usually not. It can take several uses before you notice a difference, so keep using it twice a day.
Which is better, potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride?
They work in different ways, and both are used in sensitivity toothpastes. The better choice depends on your teeth, so ask us at your check-up.
Can toothpaste fix sensitivity caused by a cracked tooth?
No. A cracked tooth needs a dentist to repair it, and toothpaste will only ease the sensitivity while you wait.
Should I stop brushing if my teeth are sensitive?
No. Keep brushing gently with a soft brush. Stopping lets plaque build up and can make the sensitivity worse.
Can I use a sensitivity toothpaste for my children?
Ask a dentist first. Children's toothpaste choices depend on their age and teeth, so we advise on the right one at a check-up.
Sources
Have a question about your own teeth?
Book on WhatsApp, and our team will reply with the next steps.