Extra soft toothbrush for sensitive gums

An extra-soft toothbrush can suit sensitive gums when used with light pressure, but softness does not treat the cause of sensitivity.

Sensitivity can arise from inflamed gums, recession exposing root dentine, enamel wear, decay, or brushing trauma.

Choose a small head with soft nylon bristles, use fluoride toothpaste, and angle the brush toward the gumline without scrubbing.

See a dentist for localized or worsening sensitivity, heat pain, spontaneous pain, bleeding, swelling, decay, or a broken tooth.

Ask whether the cause is inflammation, recession, exposed dentine, decay, or a crack.