Human tooth has four parts, enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp, out of which, enamel is the hardest part that covers the dentin layer. On the other hand, cementum is the bony structure that covers the root of a tooth, while pulp is the central part of connective tissues. Sensitivity of tooth basically results, when the inner dentin layer gets exposed. This in turn can happen due to several factors, out of which, the most common is, abrasion caused by harsh brushing. Harsh brushing wears away the tooth enamel and exposes the dentin layer that contains the nerve fibers. In such a condition, eating anything too hot or cold and sweet or acidic food, can cause sudden intense tooth pain. Similarly, gum recession can too expose the root of the tooth and make the tooth more sensitive. Apart from these, some other causes of tooth sensitivity include, erosion or loss of tooth enamel caused by acidic foods, gum diseases or build up of plaque and tartar, teeth bleaching, tooth grinding or clenching and cracked tooth.

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity is quite a common problem among a large section of the population, due to which, a great many dental care products have been developed including, the toothpastes for sensitive teeth. The first toothpaste developed for sensitive teeth was 'Sensodyne'. Denquel is another leading brand of toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Nowadays, a number of different brands of toothpastes have been manufactured to relieve the symptoms of tooth sensitivity. These toothpastes contain some active ingredients like, potassium nitrate and strontium chloride to either restore the tooth enamel or to prevent its further loss. So, the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth is the one, that can meet these basic requirements, besides providing protection against cavities, plaque and softened enamel to maintain dental health.

How Does Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth Work
As has been mentioned already, there are two main ingredients that are included in a number of toothpastes available for sensitive teeth. These important ingredients are, potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Potassium nitrate is the salt that desensitizes the nerve roots and thereby, prevents the transmission of the pain stimuli to the pulp and root of the tooth, through the nerves. As the pain signal does not get transmitted to the root of the tooth, tooth sensitivity gets reduced. On the other hand, strontium chloride helps to cover up the tiny pores present in the dentin layer, so that the pain stimuli cannot reach the nerves. So, both the ingredients work to help mitigate the symptoms of tooth sensitivity by desensitizing the tooth nerves and building up a protective barrier on the dentin layer of the tooth.

Homemade Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Along with the commercial toothpaste for sensitive teeth, many people have also benefited from the use of certain natural or homemade toothpaste. Such a natural toothpaste for sensitive teeth, can be prepared at home by using ingredients like, vegetable glycerin, peppermint or spearmint, cosmetic clay, tincture of myrrh and clove essential oil.

Procedure for making Natural Toothpaste
Take about 1/2 cup of vegetable glycerin (base) and equal amount of cosmetic clay (mild abrasive). Then add 7 to 8 drops of peppermint or spearmint, 7 to 8 drops of clove essential oil and 35 to 40 drops of tincture of myrrh. Now mix all these ingredients thoroughly to make a natural toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This toothpaste can also be stored in a bottle for future use. The vegetable glycerin, included in the toothpaste serves as a base, while the cosmetic clay works as a mild abrasive. On the other hand, clove oil works as a mild anesthetic to reduce tooth sensitivity, and tincture of myrrh is very effective to prevent gum inflammation. Peppermint and spearmint are mainly used to freshen the mouth or eliminate bad breath. More on clove oil for tooth pain.

In addition to trying the homemade and commercial toothpaste for sensitive teeth, be sure to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent tooth and gum diseases. Always use a soft brush for brushing your teeth twice daily. While brushing, use circular movements, instead of side to side brushing. Be sure to not use old, worn out toothbrush; avoid using a single toothbrush for more than 3 months. Fluoride rinse or fluoride toothpaste can too help people having sensitivity of teeth, especially due to problems like, tooth decay. Lastly, never forget to visit your dentist at regular intervals, to assess the overall condition of your tooth and gum. This will help to detect any problem in the early stage and hence, to start an effective treatment, on time.