Desensitizing toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains active ingredients that block the pain signals that travel between the surface of the tooth and the sensory nerves inside, thus protecting the tooth’s nerve from extreme sensations of hot/cold. The effectiveness of desensitizing toothpaste largely depends on the ingredients inside the tube. Some key ingredients found in most products include:

• Potassium nitrate: It’s the active ingredient that blocks the transmission of pain to the brain.
• Fluorides: They help fight against cavities with twice daily brushing.
• Strontium chloride: It blocks pain signals to the nerve of the tooth by stopping up the tiny tunnels in your teeth, which go to the nerve.
• Arginine: It occludes the dentinal tubules.
• CSP: It occludes the dentinal tubules.
• Tricalcium phosphate: It occludes the dentinal tubules.

Some desensitizing toothpaste products may also contain inactive ingredients for stain prevention and removal, such as pentasodium triphosphate.

While desensitizing toothpaste is effective in addressing the symptoms of teeth sensitivity, it only treats the symptoms after the fact and cannot cure sensitivity. If you’re dealing with sensitive teeth, it may be part of a larger issue, such as weakened enamel, cavities, or recessed gums, which your dentist can assist you with.

It is important to note that some desensitizing toothpaste products may contain ingredients that are not recommended, such as strontium, which has been banned by the Japanese government for being unsafe for use in cosmetics. It is also important to follow the instructions on the toothpaste packaging and not to use it for an extended period of time without consulting a dentist.