What is the direct answer?
A sensitivity toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity when used as directed, but it does not diagnose or treat every cause of gum discomfort.
What does this question mean?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin tubules or exposed root surfaces allow temperature or touch to stimulate the dental nerve. Gum care also depends on removing plaque at the gum margin, so toothpaste cannot replace brushing, interdental cleaning, or treatment of cavities and gum disease.
What can you do next?
Use a soft brush with light pressure and follow the product directions while cleaning the gumline and between teeth. If discomfort continues, a dentist can check for recession, erosion, cracks, decay, an exposed filling margin, or inflammation and may apply fluoride or another desensitizing treatment.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek care for spontaneous pain, swelling, pus, bleeding that persists, a broken tooth, pain on biting, or sensitivity limited to one tooth. Stop using a product that causes a new rash or marked irritation and ask a clinician or pharmacist about alternatives.
What should you ask the dentist?
Is the problem sensitivity, gum inflammation, or both? Which ingredients are in the product, and could recession, decay, erosion, or a cracked tooth explain the symptoms?
Frequently asked questions
What is the main point to remember?
A sensitivity toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity when used as directed, but it does not diagnose or treat every cause of gum discomfort.
What can change the advice?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin tubules or exposed root surfaces allow temperature or touch to stimulate the dental nerve. Gum care also depends on removing plaque at the gum margin, so toothpaste cannot replace brushing, interdental cleaning, or treatment of cavities and gum disease.

