stannous fluoride, and the preferred toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth, low bone density in root structure, deep gum pockets > 3mm

 

Courtesy of my friend Chris the dental hygienist: 

There are 2 types of agents that are used for tooth sensitivity. Potassium nitrate, and stannous fluoride. Teeth have pores, and it’s “usually” the pressure changes around these pores that cause hypersensitive teeth. Potassium nitrate works by entering these pores, and traveling to the nerve to reduce sensitivity. Stannous fluoride is a special type of fluoride that blocks those pores to prevent the pressure changes. What I like about stannous fluoride is that it also has the effect of being antimicrobial, meaning it will help keep your mouth cleaner. Bacteria are one of the things that can cause inflammation and further gum recession, so I like that stannous does this. As far as “rebuilding” teeth, I think you what I said was remineralize teeth. All fluoride helps draw calcium back into your teeth (including stannous fluoride). Fluoride won’t “rebuild” the teeth, but it will strengthen your teeth by making them “denser”. Potassium nitrate toothpastes can have fluoride too, they just don’t have stannous fluoride, because that would “seal” your teeth and prevent the potassium from getting to your nerve. Basically, the potassium nitrate toothpaste is missing out on that antimicrobial property which really helps with the tissue around your teeth. I recommended parodontax because it was the only toothpaste in clinic by sensodyne that had stannous fluoride, but now sensodyne actually has several varieties of stannous toothpaste . I recommend stannous, but if you choose to switch toothpaste be aware it usually takes 14 days for sensitivity toothpaste to take effect (meaning there may be a few days in between switching toothpastes that you are more sensitive. One other thing to consider, I believe you said you ate a lot of salsa, and acidic foods. Fluoride helps your teeth reabsorb calcium, but there are several studies that show stannous is better at preventing acidic food from causing erosion. 

This model from colgate has stannous flouride.

also consider using flouride mouth wash daily

The most important thing is to brush with a fluoride (any type) toothpaste and clean with an interdental aid (like floss, or a periodontal aid). One other thing that might be helpful if you’re up for it is to add a non-alcohol based fluoride mouthwash like ACT into your daily routine. The extra fluoride would be helpful, but make sure it doesn’t have alcohol (like listerine) because alcohol will dry out and further irritate your tissue (gums) if you use it every day.