Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is iso-active®?

A: New Sensodyne® iso-active® Foaming Gel is a breakthrough technology in toothpaste. Its revolutionary delivery system disperses the toothpaste quickly, penetrating those critical, hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, providing overall oral health care. Sensodyne iso-active is perfect for those who experience tooth sensitivity as it provides all around protection and sensitivity relief.

Q: How do you use iso-active®?

A: New Sensodyne® iso-active® is delivered in a novel canister format, and its gel-to-foam action is a result of the inclusion of isopentane. Isopentane responds to increases in temperature caused by the warmth of the mouth.

The active gel is stored in a special internal bag inside the can, known as "bag on valve" technology. When the can's nozzle is pressed, the pressure forces the gel out of the can. In the warmth of the mouth during brushing, the gel transforms into an active micro-fine foam, generating twice the foam volume as ordinary toothpaste and penetrating hard-to-reach places.

Q: How does iso-active® compare to ordinary toothpaste?

A: Generating twice the foam volume as ordinary toothpaste, the activated formulation of iso-active® disperses active ingredients around the mouth and penetrates critical, hard-to-reach areas and rinses clean away.

Sensodyne iso-active is perfect for those who experience tooth sensitivity as it provides all around protection and sensitivity relief.

Q: How does iso-active® work?

A: Isopentane responds to increases in temperature caused by the warmth of the mouth. This relatively small increase in temperature produces a release of energy by the isopentane ingredient that stimulates the enhanced foaming action of the product.

Generating twice the foam volume as ordinary toothpaste, the activated formulation disperses active ingredients around the mouth to penetrate critical, hard to reach areas and rinses clean away.

Its revolutionary delivery system provides overall oral health care.

Q: Is isopentane in other toothpastes?

A: iso-active®, available in both Aquafresh® and Sensodyne®, is currently the only toothpaste that contains isopentane, making it a breakthrough technology in the toothpaste category. iso-active® only contains a small amount of isopentane.

Q: Can I brush for a shorter amount of time when using iso-active®?

A: Although the activated formulation disperses active ingredients around the mouth quickly to penetrate critical, hard-to-reach areas, it is still recommended to brush twice a day for two minutes as normal to ensure a thorough whole mouth clean.

Q: What is the use-up rate on iso-active®; it seems like it won't last as long as a tube?

A: The 4.3 ounce canister will provide you with the equivalent amount of toothpaste as a 4.3 ounce tube.

Q: What varieties does Sensodyne® iso-active® come in?

A: Sensodyne® iso-active® is available in two varieties:
  • Sensodyne iso-active Multi Action: Thoroughly clean the whole mouth and provides sensitivity relief
  • Sensodyne iso-active Whitening: Helps to restore teeth to their natural whiteness and provides sensitivity relief

Q: What flavor does iso-active® come in?

A: Sensodyne® iso-active® comes in a variety of mint flavors.

Q: Does iso-active® contain CFC's?

A: No. GSK believes that climate change is globally significant and as such has ensured that Sensodyne® iso-active® Foaming Gel complies with all aerosol regulations and contains no CFC's. The product itself is pressurized within the canister using compressed nitrogen - an environmentally friendly propellant.

Q: Can the product be recycled?

A: Yes. Aluminum aerosols can be collected with regular drink and food cans for recycling in specialist facilities. They should not be crushed or pierced, and only empty aerosols should be recycled.

Q: What is isopentane?

A: Isopentane is a hydrocarbon that is used in a range of health and beauty products. Isopentane is the ingredient in Sensodyne iso-active® and Aquafresh iso-active® that transforms the gel to foam.

Q: Is Isopentane safe to use as an ingredient in toothpaste?

A: Yes. Isopentane is already used safely in a range of cosmetic products that are applied directly to the skin. The scientific evidence and the experience of use of isopentane in a range of personal care products across the globe all support the conclusions that this ingredient is safe and effective when used as indicated.

Q: IS THERE ONLY ONE SENSODYNE?

A: Sensodyne comes in 9 different variants to satisfy individual needs:
  • Cool Gel
  • Extra Whitening
  • Fresh Impact
  • Fresh Mint
  • Full Protection plus Whitening
  • Tartar Control plus Whitening
  • Original Flavor
  • Sensodyne iso-active Multi-Action
  • Sensodyne iso-active Whitening

Q: MY TEETH ARE SOMETIMES SENSITIVE. IS THIS COMMON?

A: One out of five adults claims to suffer from the pain of sensitive teeth. Many adults have occasional sensitivity to sweets, acidic foods, and hot or cold drinks.Some adults experience chronic pain. You should seek the help of your doctor or dentist in either case. For home use, dentists often recommend Sensodyne toothpaste for occasional pain from sensitive teeth.

Q: Why does the package state that if the pain or sensitivity still persists after 4 weeks of use, we should visit the dentist?

A: The FDA requires this statement on the packaging of all over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes. Sensitive teeth may indicate a more serious problem that may need to have prompt care by a dentist. Your dental professional may recommend that you use Sensodyne daily if he or she has ruled out other dental or medical issues.

Q: DOES SENSODYNE® CONTAIN FLUORIDE?

A: Yes. Within the U.S., all formulations of Sensodyne® contain either Sodium fluoride or Sodium monofluorophosphate. (0.13%-0.15% w/v fluoride ion). Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to help prevent tooth decay. Sensodyne® has the same level of fluoride protection as the leading anti-cavity toothpaste.

Q: ARE TRAVEL SIZE TUBES AVAILABLE?

A: Sensodyne® Fresh Impact and Extra Whitening are available in a trial size (0.8 oz.) package in major retail outlets

Q: CAN I USE MOUTHWASH AFTER BRUSHING WITH SENSODYNE®?

A: Yes you may use mouthwash or eat or drink after using Sensodyne. We have not specifically examined the effects of mouthwash use or food and drink after brushing with Sensodyne®. However, in our clinical studies, we established efficacy according to the FDA monograph, and we did not require subjects to refrain from normal activities after product use, including after-brushing mouthwash use or eating and drinking.

Q: WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THE SENSODYNE® TOOTHBRUSHES?

A: Unfortunately, the Sensodyne® Py-co-pay toothbrushes have been discontinued.

Q: DOES SENSODYNE® WORK BY JUST DABBING IT ON THE SENSITIVE TOOTH (TEETH)?

A: There is no clinical evidence to support dabbing as an effective means of application. Sensodyne® clinical studies were performed using brushing as the method of application. Sensodyne® needs to be brushed on to be most effective.

Q: IS SWALLOWING SENSODYNE® HARMFUL?

A: The FDA requires the following statement on the packaging of all toothpaste products. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Naturally, you should keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.

Q: Will sensitivity return if use of Sensodyne is discontinued?

A: Whether or not the pain will return depends on the individual and the cause of his or her sensitivity. To stop the pain from coming back, your dental professional may recommend replacing your regular toothpaste with Sensodyne, and using it twice a day, everyday.

Q: Does the efficacy of Sensodyne increase with long term usage?

A: When used everyday, Sensodyne relieves sensitive teeth by building a barrier that protects against the pain caused by hot, cold, sweet, acidic and other contact triggers and by keeping the pain from coming back.

Q: Does Sensodyne Extra Whitening actually bleach as well as desensitize?

A: Sensodyne Extra Whitening does not bleach. It contains a matrix of polishing and cleaning ingredients which all contribute to its cleaning and whitening effect. Like all Sensodyne variants, Sensodyne Extra Whitening contains a clinically proven desensitizing active ingredient called Potassium Nitrate.

Q: Is there anything I can do to avoid developing tooth sensitivity when I use whitening products?

A: Recent research has shown that using Sensodyne two weeks before and during the whitening process can significantly:
  • Reduce the chances that tooth sensitivity will develop
  • Increase “sensitivity free” days
  • Improve overall satisfaction with the whitening process
Ask your dental professional about using Sensodyne before, during and after a teeth whitening program.

Q: Is sensitivity a common problem?

A: Pain caused by sensitive teeth, or "dentinal hypersensitivity", is one of the most common dental complaints.

  • 1 in every 5 adults suffers from sensitive teeth
  • Sensitive teeth can start hurting as early as in your 20's
  • The teeth most commonly affected are "canines" and "premolars"
  • Tooth sensitivity can cause improper brushing which may lead to a progression of problems including:
    • plaque buildup
    • gingivitis
    • periodontal disease
    • tooth loss

Q: Why does sensitivity occur?

A: Sensitivity occurs when nerves in the tooth react to various triggers

  • The sensitive layer of the tooth under the enamel is called “dentin”, which has microscopic “tubules” containing fluid and nerve endings
  • Dentin can be exposed as gums recede or when tooth enamel is worn, cracked or chipped
  • When hot or cold foods or drinks touch the exposed dentin, they cause the fluid in the tubules to affect the nerve endings. This can result in tooth sensitivity
  • Sensodyne’s active ingredient, Potassium Nitrate, desensitizes the nerve endings within the tubules, causing them to be less responsive to the triggers
  • When used daily, Sensodyne creates a protective barrier around the tooth that blocks the pain of hot,cold, sweet, acidic and other triggers and keeps it from coming back.s

Q: What are the triggers of sensitivity?

A: Sensitive teeth can be caused by gum recession, loss of enamel, damage to teeth and gums. Temporary sensitivity can be caused by cosmetic whitening treatments. Sensitive teeth can hurt as a reaction to:
  • Cold foods or beverages
  • Hot foods or beverages
  • Sweet or sour (acidic) foods
  • Plaque and bacteria
  • Chemical stimulus
  • Dry mouth
If you experience pain due to these or other stimuli, talk to your dentist or hygienist. With their help, there’s a lot you can do to help relieve sensitive tooth pain.

Q: How effective is Sensodyne?

A: The effectiveness of Sensodyne depends on how you use it and how long you use it. Sensodyne should be used twice a day everyday to ensure maximum effectiveness. You should start to notice a difference in as little as two weeks. Your dental professional is likely to recommend that you use Sensodyne as your regular everyday toothpaste because tooth sensitivity is frequently a recurring condition.