Oral B’s Sensitivity & Gum Calm toothpaste – reaction from the profession

Last month, Oral-B unveiled its latest toothpaste – Sensitivity & Gum Calm – aimed at those suffering from dental sensitivity issues. 

Containing stabilised stannous fluoride, it acts by blocking the dentinal tubules and prevents the stimuli causing the painful nerve impulses.

Additionally, if it’s used regularly, it continues to block the tubules – thereby providing ongoing sensitivity relief.

We asked the profession for their thoughts on the new toothpaste.

Lottie Manahan – ‘cleans effortlessly’

Unlike many sensitive toothpastes on the market, Sensitivity & Gum Calm toothpaste by Oral-B leaves that super clean, fresh feeling behind. Which is enjoyed for hours after brushing because of its smooth, foamy consistency.

During my teens my diet was poor. I enjoyed way too much fruit and juices causing widespread acid erosion in my mouth. This consequently left me with sensitivity. It is something I’ve always needed to manage, predominantly with sensitive toothpaste.

On brushing, I felt the Sensitivity & Gum Calm toothpaste access the whole mouth gaining a clean status effortlessly. The taste I adapted to straight away. It’s kind of like bubble gum and mint flavour – it’s mild so doesn’t overpower.

I always look for stannous fluoride in the pastes I use due to the antimicrobial action. Sensitivity & Gum Calm contains this, inhibiting antimicrobial growth and reducing the ability of bacteria to stick to both teeth and gums.

The sensitivity relief was delivered soon after use, allowing me to enjoy cold water and foods. Not to mention the cold mornings on my bike when the cold air hits. I can’t explain how reassuring it is to not expect the dreadful sensitivity feeling I often anxiously wait for.

The tube is sleek and fresh on appearance. The ‘Sensitivity & Gum Calm’ branding is exactly what it does for gums and teeth, which will appeal to many suffering with sensitivity.

Personally and professionally my opinion of Sensitivity & Gum Calm is very positive. The market needed a product that delivers both sensitive treatment and a fresh clean smile. I have already started recommending to patients and look forward to their feedback.

Claire Berry – ‘really clean feeling’

I was lucky enough to be asked to sample Oral B’s Sensitivity and Gum Calm when it was first released. It is a new toothpaste with clinical evidence to support its effectiveness for the relief of sensitivity.

I am a big fan of stannous within an oral hygiene routine due to the clinical evidence supporting it for oral health. I already appreciated the desensitising ability stannous has on dentinal sensitivity.

Therefore, to be asked to try a toothpaste clinically proven to reduce sensitivity using this ingredient meant I was more than happy to give it a go.

I was impressed with how pleasant the toothpaste physically felt while brushing, providing a smooth consistency made up of microbubbles that feel like they hug each tooth to give a really clean feeling.

This mechanism also allows for a sense that this mild foaming effect is coating your teeth for better protection. It is this action that feels calming on the gingiva. Its flavour was mild and not at all overpowering.

I have mild sensitivity and it did reduce it somewhat. It works by occluding the dentinal tubules and therefore preventing painful nerve impulses. But regular use will allow the stannous to penetrate deeper into the tubules for even better ongoing sensitivity relief.

I have to say I am a fan. I will be recommending Sensitivity & Gum Calm to my patients with sensitivity and will do so safe in the knowledge that it is clinically proven to reduce their sensitivity whilst still providing the other beneficial effects of stannous fluoride.

Reena Wadia – ‘another great addition’

The new Sensitivity & Gum Calm toothpaste is another great addition to the Oral-B range. It’s more creamy than foamy, so offers an alternative to patients who might prefer that.

Compared to the Gumline Purify toothpaste, it has less SLS and includes a coolant. It’s always great to have a range of options for our patients.