What is the best toothpaste for sensitive gums and teeth?

I've used Aqua Fresh sensitive but it only helps a little. What is the best and can the dentist do something about the sensitivity? All I keep hearing is you just have to keep using the sensative toothpaste and nothing else. Thanks!!

What is the best toothpaste for sensitive gums and teeth?
Desert Essence - Natural Tea Tree oil and Neem Toothpaste (wintergreen) you can get it at any Wild oats, or Whole Foods. If you don't have these stores in your area, try a health food store or you can buy it on line. It must have tea tree oil and neem in it. Everyone that I have told about this loves it. My gums bled when I brushed and my teeth hurt after I brushed. I use to use aqua fresh too. After someone told me about this, I gave it a try. One week later my gums stop bleeding and no more pain after I brushed. I told someone what had a gum problem and it cleared it up. I have told several people about this toothpaste and everyone that had sensitive teeth or gum problems just love the way it works. IT IS A MUST TO TRY!!!! I also use the Dental Floss. Let me know that it worked for you too.
Reply:Colgate.
Reply:Sensodyne
Reply:Sensodine (I think that's how you spell it) is pretty good, but it tastes like crap! I don't know if the dentist can fix it or not- Mine hasn't yet! I'm right there with you!
Reply:Sensodyne is usually the first course of action dentists prescribe in patients that have sensitive gums and teeth. If that doesn't help, you may need to see your dentist to determine if you have another problem. Sometimes, patients have what we call toothbrush abrasion, due to a long history of using medium and hard toothbrushes. This loss of tooth structure can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Either topical flouride or fillings may be indicated. In additon, swollen gums (due to either poor oral hygeine or meds) can be the cause of such sensitivity, and a deep cleaning may be indicated.
Reply:I love this question. I get asked this one at work a lot.





Okay, so if the over-the-counter toothpastes aren't working then you do have other options. Your denist can apply a tooth desensitizer (there are many such as Hema, duraphat, varnish).





Determining the cause of the sensitivity is crucial in determining the treatment. Here are some causes and the treatment:





1. Gum recession. Caused by over aggressive tooth brushing, incorrect bite, part of periodonal disease, could be genetic. Your teeth look longer because the gums are pulling down and exposing the sensitve tooth root. The answer for this was described above. Professional tooth desensitizer. Has to be applied 1-2x and then it lasts anywhere from 3-12 months. It's great!





2. Just general sensitivity. Not from decay or recession. Sensodyne or Crest sensitivity is tried first. If no luck, then ask your dentist to order a product called MI paste. This stuff works wonders! It's will cost about $20 for a small tube, but the tube will last for 6 months. Apply a small amount (pea-sized) after normal brushing, and brush into teeth. Brush for at least one minute, two minutes is better. Don't swallow any of it, but try not to spit out either. It is activated by your saliva. Then spit out excess, but do not rinse. MI Paste works for 90% of my patients who have tried everything else. (You cannot use if lactose-intolerant).





3. Could be that you have large metal fillings that are conducting the temperature of foods you eat or drink. Try MI Paste, but not too much you can do about this.





I hope this was helpful to you.