[throwaway2037]

    They irony of all this is that if you want to buy good quality toothpaste you are forced to import it from overseas, due to the FDA limiting ingredients in toothpaste.

I never heard such a thing. Can you be more specific? Plus you can buy Darlie toothpaste in most Chinatown's around the world, even if unapproved by local dental orgs.

[dannyw]

International versions of Sensodyne contain Novamin, which is a teeth-material-like compound that layers over your teeth to protect it.

It has been proven in many clinical trials to not only reduce sensitivity, but also protect against tooth decay and cavities.

[Auracle]

Ever since I started brushing with Novamin my dentist has started being really positive about the condition of my teeth in a way I’ve never experienced - even though I haven’t had a cavity in at least 20 years. I didn’t tell him what I’ve been doing.

[dotancohen]

Interesting. I use Sensodyne for a completely unrelated reason: it does not contain Sodium Laurel Sulfate. I have not had a cavity in my entire life, and I'm over 45.

[2rsf]

What's the connection between the first and second claims you make? does SLS cause cavities?

[puzzlingcaptcha]

Toothpaste with SLS causes ulceration (canker sores) in some individuals (myself included). See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphthous_stomatitis

[dotancohen]

SLS does not cause cavities.

I mention that I like this toothpaste due to the lack of SLS - not for the cavities prevention. But I've not had any cavities, so that is another datum on top of the others who mention using this toothpaste and not having dental problems.

[ianai]

Not sure for them but SLS can irritate sensitive skin.

[FalconSensei]

I guess you need to pay more attention when you read:

> I use Sensodyne for a completely unrelated reason

[lettergram]

Why isn’t it in the US?

[ars]

See here: https://medium.com/@ravenstine/the-curious-history-of-novami...

Basically FDA won't let them label it without studies. Other countries consider toothpaste a cosmetic and don't requite studies.

[klooney]

You can get it on Amazon, since they don't do a ton of vetting or enforcement. You can also get toothpaste with Biomin, a substantially similar deal (its manufacturer claims it's better).

For me, novamin/biomin didn't seem to make a difference with tooth sensitivity.