Best toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums
Choose a soft or extra-soft toothbrush with rounded bristles, use light pressure, and ask for an examination if sensitivity persists or is limited to one t
The short answer
Choose a soft or extra-soft toothbrush with rounded bristles, use light pressure, and ask for an examination if sensitivity persists or is limited to one tooth.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Sensitivity may result from exposed dentin, gum recession, enamel wear, decay, a crack, or recent treatment. The brush should clean plaque without adding abrasion to enamel or the gum margin.
What can you do next?
Use a small-headed soft brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and light pressure. Avoid vigorous horizontal scrubbing and very abrasive products.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination for persistent, worsening, one-sided, or spontaneous sensitivity, or when a tooth has discoloration, swelling, or pain on biting.
What should you ask the dentist?
Do I have exposed dentin, recession, decay, a crack, or gum inflammation? Which brush and technique fit the cause?
Frequently asked questions
Can this problem have more than one cause?
Yes. A clinical examination separates overlapping causes and identifies the appropriate treatment.
What should I do if it gets worse?
Arrange prompt dental assessment, especially when pain, swelling, fever, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing develops.