Sensitive Teeth? Check Your Toothpaste

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity when using tartar-control toothpaste, but the good news is that when they stop using the toothpaste, the sensitivity goes away.

“Dentists and hygienists often recommend that patients use tartar-control toothpaste, particularly after a cleaning, to help prevent the build-up of tartar, which can lead to gum disease,” says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson William Kuttler, DDS. “But after using tartar-control toothpaste, about 10 to 20 percent of patients complain of tooth sensitivity, so we suggest they stop using it.”