Occasionally I have mentioned my sensitive teeth, maybe more so on Twitter than on this website, but one thing I know I have mentioned a lot is my dislike for anything mint flavoured. For many years I used Lemonade toothpaste by GoSmile that I had to buy in multiples once a year from Sephora, just because I dont like mint toothpaste. Even though I love my Lemonade toothpaste, I have felt like my sensitive teeth have been particularly bad this past 3 months or so.

Now I don’t know what causes other peoples sensitive teeth, but in my case it is exposed nerves. I have very little gum around the base of my teeth, especially my bottom front teeth, and that means all my nerves are exposed. Almost anytime something comes in contact with that area of my mouth I instantly feel a dreadful pain. I can’t even explain what it feels like because if feels like nothing else in the world. Only those who have experienced sensitive teeth know the torture. The other problem I have because of this minimal gum problem is that the little crevasses food and other bits can hide in are so impossible to reach. Often brushing and flossing just does not do the job to get everything and I will have to double floss or double brush. Annoying!

I have been living with sensitive teeth for as long as I can remember so there are certain things I do in order to avoid getting that pain, but it is hard work. I consciously have to pay attention every time I go to put food or drink in my mouth. I have to make sure I only chew on one side of my mouth, I have to drink through a straw and if no straws are available I can only sip very small amounts so I can strategically manoeuvre my tongue to cover the sensitive area. It is a joke. So finally I have decided to part ways with my beloved lemon-flavoured toothpaste and try something that might rid my sensitivity.

In the past I have tried Sensodyne ProNamel because they sell little travel size tubes of them and it was perfect for taking away. Unfortunately I have never ‘gone away’ for enough time to really notice any dramatic changes when using that toothpaste so I still turned back to my trusty GoSmile when I returned home. This time however, all the TV commercials and print ads about the new Sensodyne gel-to-foam stuff got me all flustered. If there was any toothpaste I was going to try it would of course be the one with the catchy hook.

What I Say ….

• It really looks like a shaving can. A baby version of a shaving can. However the can is way prettier because it is white and not some tacky blue or lilac colour.
• First thing I notice when I take the outer lid off is the strong minty smell. For a normal person, this would be awesome, but for me I didn’t like it.
• It dispenses easily with the push mechanism on the top, just like shaving cream, but it comes out fast. You only need a small amount so you really need to control yourself from pressing to hard. The first time I did it there was blue gel all over my basin!
• The toothpaste comes out of the can like a slightly thicker version of regular gel toothpastes, and it is a cloudy blue colour. I always like to put a little bit of water on my brush after the toothpaste is on, and this didn’t seem to activate the foaming action like I thought it would.
• After brushing my teeth for about 5 seconds I can really feel the gel turn to foam. I am so used to using a toothpaste that doesn’t create any foam so this was a shock the first few times. It kind of felt like my mouth was going to explode but I managed to keep it all in. Go me!
• After a week of using the toothpaste I didn’t seem to mind the mint flavour. Maybe I have matured, maybe this one just isn’t anywhere near as minty as other toothpastes … I don’t know, but I am not going to push my luck and try a mojito anytime soon.
• Every time I have brushed my teeth with this toothpaste I have noticed far less stuff still stuck between my teeth. I have been able to reduce my teeth time to just one brush and one floss each morning. WOW, I am almost normal. I guess that foam really does get into the gaps and do something.
• Lastly, the sensitivity issue is definitely easing off. I have been using this toothpaste for 3 weeks now and I am down to 1 or 2 problem teeth that still effect me but everything else is fine. I hope that with continued use this two will get the idea and cave to the powers of Sensodyne.

In the end I totally rate this product, even though it is mint flavoured. The benefits far outweigh the taste and not having awful teeth pain everytime I eat something is well worth it.

However, I must mention one pet peeve. Again, it comes to packaging …. in a way, and I have this problem with shaving cream too. Now cleanliness is of the utmost importance to me, especially with toothpaste. I can’t stand the sight of one bit of toothpaste and think it should always be neatly hidden until you squeeze some out. The problem with this foaming can, and others like it, is that even after you squeeze the desired amount out, it continues to eject some more. ALWAYS. And then what happens when you go put the lid back on? You end up with yucky, sticky stuff inside the lid and on the can and EVERYWHERE. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it ….. but other than my minor, craziness glitch, I love it.

Oozy stuff out of the can .... and in the lid.

What Sensodyne Say ….

Sensodyne iso-active Whitening is a breakthrough in oral health care technology. Starting of as a gel on your brush, it instantly transforms into a micro-fine foam in your mouth. The innovative foaming action disperses quickly to penetrate hard-to-reach areas providing all around protection and sensitivity relief.

Features:

• Twice daily use protects against sensitivity
• Gently whitens teeth and helps restore teeth to their natural whiteness
• Fluoride protection
• Fights cavities and plaque
• Fresh mint taste to freshen breath

Information from Sensodyne

Details

AU $10.95 from Pharmacy Online, Chemist Direct, supermarkets and pharmacies.

US $7.79 from Drugstore.com, CVS, local food, drug and discount stores. For a full list of retailers click here

UK £4.38 from GSK Direct

All images are the property of The Plastic Diaries, excluding press release images. Use of these images without written consent is prohibited. If you wish to use them please contact me to request permission. Images are taken in natural light and remain unedited, unless otherwise stated.

This product was provided for consideration, in accordance with our Disclosure Policy. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own and remain 100% uninfluenced.

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