How to Relieve Sensitive Teeth: Dr. Jen, Sensodyne, Clinpro, and MI Paste Plus
Do you experience a sharp “zing” when you drink something cold, eat ice cream, or brush your teeth? Tooth sensitivity is very common, but there are several ways to help manage it.
At Bellevue Wellness Dental, we offer several products that may be recommended depending on the cause of your sensitivity and your individual oral-health needs, including Dr. Jen nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, Sensodyne (OTC), and MI Paste Plus.
Each product works differently, and your dentist can help determine which option is best for you.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity can occur when enamel becomes worn or when gum recession exposes the underlying dentin.
Dentin contains microscopic tubules that can transmit sensations toward the nerve of the tooth. When these areas become exposed, cold drinks, hot foods, sweets, acidic foods, or even air can trigger a sharp sensation.
Common causes include:
- • Gum recession
- • Enamel erosion
- • Aggressive tooth brushing
- • Teeth grinding or clenching
- • Acidic foods and beverages
- • Whitening treatments
- • Cavities
- • Cracked teeth
- • Exposed root surfaces
If sensitivity is new, severe, occurs in only one tooth, or continues to worsen, it is important to have your dentist evaluate the tooth. Sensitivity can sometimes be a sign of a cavity, crack, worn filling, or another dental problem.
Dr. Jen Nano-Hydroxyapatite
Dr. Jen toothpaste contains nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), a form of calcium phosphate that is similar to the mineral naturally found in teeth.
Nano-hydroxyapatite can help support enamel remineralization and may help reduce sensitivity by depositing mineral in microscopic areas of the tooth surface and exposed dentin.
One benefit of hydroxyapatite toothpaste is that it provides a fluoride-free option for patients who prefer a non-fluoride approach to their daily oral-care routine.
Dr. Jen at Bellevue Wellness Dental
Bellevue Wellness Dental carries both fluoride and non-fluoride versions of Dr. Jen.
This gives our patients the flexibility to choose a formulation based on their individual needs and preferences.
The fluoride version combines fluoride protection with nano-hydroxyapatite, while the non-fluoride version provides a fluoride-free alternative.
Sensodyne
Sensodyne is specifically formulated for people with sensitive teeth.
Depending on the formulation, Sensodyne products may use ingredients such as potassium nitrate to help reduce the nerve's response to painful stimuli or stannous fluoride to help protect exposed dentin.
Because Sensodyne has multiple formulations, the active ingredients and benefits can differ between products.
For patients whose primary concern is tooth sensitivity, Sensodyne is a commonly recommended daily toothpaste option.
MI Paste Plus
MI Paste Plus is another professional option that can be useful for patients concerned about enamel, sensitivity, and remineralization.
MI Paste Plus contains Recaldent™ (CPP-ACP), a milk-derived casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate complex. It is designed to provide calcium and phosphate to the tooth surface and support remineralization.
MI Paste Plus also contains fluoride, making it different from standard MI Paste.
It may be recommended for patients experiencing:
- • Tooth sensitivity
- • Enamel demineralization
- • White-spot lesions
- • Acid erosion
- • High cavity risk
- • Dry mouth
- • Sensitivity following certain dental procedures
Because MI Paste Plus contains a milk-derived ingredient, it is not appropriate for patients with a milk-protein allergy.
MI Paste Plus is typically used as an additional professional dental-care product rather than simply replacing regular brushing with toothpaste.
How Do They Compare?
[Product] Dr. Jen Nano-Hydroxyapatite -> [Primary Approach] Mineral support and dentin/tubule occlusion -> [Fluoride] Fluoride & non-fluoride versions -> [Common Uses] Sensitivity, enamel support, remineralization
[Product] Sensodyne -> [Primary Approach] Nerve desensitization and/or dentin protection -> [Fluoride] Depends on formulation -> [Common Uses] Tooth sensitivity
[Product] MI Paste Plus -> [Primary Approach] Calcium/phosphate delivery and remineralization -> [Fluoride] Yes -> [Common Uses] Sensitivity, enamel demineralization, erosion, high cavity risk
Which Product Is Right for You?
There isn't one product that is best for every patient.
Dr. Jen may be appealing if you are interested in nano-hydroxyapatite and want the choice between fluoride and non-fluoride formulations.
Sensodyne may be a good choice when the primary goal is reducing tooth sensitivity.
MI Paste Plus may be useful when your dentist wants to provide additional calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to areas affected by demineralization, erosion, or sensitivity.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend using more than one of these products as part of a personalized preventive-care routine.
Don't Ignore Persistent Tooth Sensitivity
Toothpaste can help manage sensitivity, but it is important to identify the underlying cause.
Persistent sensitivity can sometimes be associated with:
- • Cavities
- • Cracked teeth
- • Worn or leaking fillings
- • Gum recession
- • Enamel erosion
- • Exposed roots
- • Pulp inflammation
If one particular tooth is consistently sensitive, especially to cold or biting, schedule an examination rather than simply switching toothpaste.
Find the Right Sensitivity Solution at Bellevue Wellness Dental
At Bellevue Wellness Dental, we can evaluate the cause of your tooth sensitivity and recommend the products that best fit your individual needs.
We carry both fluoride and non-fluoride versions of Dr. Jen nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and we can also discuss options such as Sensodyne, and MI Paste Plus.
Whether your goal is to reduce sensitivity, strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, or support remineralization, our dental team can help you develop a personalized approach to keeping your teeth comfortable and healthy.
If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, ask the team at Bellevue Wellness Dental which option may be right for you.
