I brux/clench and, as a result, have worn down my back teeth
quite a bit and left them somewhat sensitive to heat/cold.
My dentist had recommended that I use a tooth paste such
as _enamel-on_.
My question is this: is there really a difference between a
toothpaste (i.e. _enamel-on_) that proposes to strengthen one's
enamel, and other (less expensive) tooth pastes like crest
or a baking soda based paste?

tia!

You would probably be better off getting an NTI appliance instead.

I don't see any difference between toothpastes.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only.
Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on
the advice or opinion expressed here.  Only a dentist who has examined you
in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will effect
your health.
......................

I use a custom-fit appliance now; it fits over the lower row of teeth.
Unfortunately, the fit seems off -- the metal part seems to squeeze
a back tooth on one side. Also, the bite seems off. I'm going back
(again) to get this looked at soon though. (I wonder if I should stop
wearing it until then, if it causes more stress/triggers grinding?)

So, Crest, Crest anti-tartar, Sensodyne, Enamel-On and generic
soda-based pastes are basically all the same thing, but differently
marketed then?

Another quick question -- are there dentists who specialize in
bruxism/grinding?

Thanks for you help!

Let me re-phrase that to imply no differences for the benefit you mention.
None of these products will make your teeth thicker, stronger, etc.  They
may increase the fluoride saturation of the tooth surface and reduce the
acid solubility.  Tartar control formulas do reduce tartar and stain.
Sensitive teeth toothpastes (such as Sensodyne) can reduce some minor
sensitivity by precipitating a mineral on the surface of the tooth.

Enamelon was advertising that they made the tooth more dense, or
re-calcified damaged enamel, or something along those lines.  On this
point,,,,, I see no advantage to any toothpaste brand.

I will add that I strongly prefer the major brands over any "generic"
brands.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only.
Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on
the advice or opinion expressed here.  Only a dentist who has examined you
in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will effect
your health.
......................

<snip>
Thanks...

Why?
Have you ever heard of a brand called Sheffield's (or something
similar)?  (This baking soda based paste proposes to be the first
commercially available toothpaste, iirc.)

Again, thanks for your help...

Quality control is unknown.  I am not saying it is in-adequate, only that I
don't know its level.  I remember about 15 years ago reading the label on a
"no brand" toothpaste and finding all the ingredients of a formulation of
regular Crest which P&G had stopped selling three years before.  (I was
fresh out of school and knew the chemicals better than now).  This product
may have been fine, but I would be hesitant to buy toothpaste which I knew
had to been made at least three years before and was a formula which P&G no
longer wished to sell.

Remember that most small manufacturers do not have the facilities to produce
all the products they sell.  They constantly are buying product from other
manufacturers.  They, also, will shop different manufacturers.  Lowest bid
gets their stuff in the tube.

Sometimes, the generic is a great deal (price-wise).  Other times, you have
no idea what you are buying.

BTW, research does NOT support the use of baking soda or peroxide in
toothpaste.  It is there only because it helps sell more product.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only.
Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on
the advice or opinion expressed here.  Only a dentist who has examined you
in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will effect
your health.
......................

mstutz worte:
<< Another quick question -- are there dentists who specialize in
bruxism/grinding?

Thanks for you help! >>

No.  This is not one of the recognized specialties of dentistry.  However,
there are dentists who handle mostly tmj, bruxism and grinding patients.  Often
your general dentist can refer you to a colleague who "limits" his practice to
patients with these special needs, if your GP does not feel he is making
progress with your problem.

Stan