I don’t remember when I first noticed my teeth starting to hurt, but it was probably in my early teens. Over time, I noticed that some of my favourite foods like ice cream and slushies were making my teeth hurt, and eventually it got to the point where it felt like somebody was shoving a needle into my jaw. Yeah, it was bad.
My dentist told me that sensitive teeth, or dentin hypersensitivity, is pretty common and that somewhere from a third to a half or even more of the general population experiences some tooth sensitivity. For most people, it’s just an annoyance or the occasional twinge. I’m in the unlucky minority that experiences significant pain on a regular basis. Cold is the most commonly reported trigger for tooth pain, and that’s mine too. I don’t put ice in my water, and I’ve never made it through a slice of ice cream cake before it melts. (Good thing ice cream soup is just as tasty!)
And as winter creeps up on us, I dread the cold temperatures for more than just the huge hydro bills and frosted over car windows. My teeth are so sensitive that even cold air hurts them. Kind of ridiculous, I know.
I’ve been using conventional sensitive toothpastes containing potassium nitrate for years. They help some, but it’s definitely not 100%, and I still run hot water over any fruit from my fridge before trying to eat it. So when I was invited to try Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste, I was all over it!
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste is formulated to shield and repair sensitive teeth for long-lasting protection (with regular use). Most other sensitive toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, which primarily numbs the tooth nerve, masking the pain of tooth sensitivity, and takes two weeks of use before relief is delivered. In comparison, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste works by plugging the channels that lead to the sensitive tooth nerves to block the pain. With regular use, it builds a long-lasting protective barrier that acts like a seal against sensitivity.
I decided to put Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste to the test. I asked hubs to bring home some lemon gelato. Mmm… This is one of my favourite desserts, but not so great for my sensitive teeth!
I followed the directions and massaged the toothpaste for one minute on the teeth in the left side of my mouth. I left the right hand teeth alone. Now, I never bite ice cream. Ever. But in the pursuit of a more effective sensitive toothpaste, I screwed up my courage and bit down on that frozen gelato.
To be honest, I still felt some twinges, but I had noticeably less pain on the treated side. After this experiment, I’m going to start using Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste regularly to build up that seal against sensitivity. My birthday is coming up next month. Maybe by then I’ll be able to make it through a piece of ice cream cake for the first time in forever!
Take the Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Challenge!
Do you have sensitive teeth? Take the Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Challenge! Sign up for a free trial size tube (22 mL) and $1.00 off coupon (one per household) and test it out. Rub the toothpaste directly on the sensitive tooth with your fingertip and gently massage for one minute, then eat or drink something that usually triggers your tooth sensitivity. Submit an online review for your chance to win a NESPRESSO® U Pure Orange coffee machine and a gift basket containing a one year supply of Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief products.
Tell me, what food or drinks do you avoid because of sensitive teeth?
Disclosure: I am part of the Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
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