For nearly 30 years, Registered Dental Hygienist and dental speaker Lisa Curbow has cared for patients struggling with sensitivity, enamel wear, and ingredient intolerance. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner and an educator in special-needs dentistry, Lisa has seen firsthand how the wrong toothpaste can make daily brushing painful — while the right formulation can completely change a patient’s experience.
In this interview, Lisa shares her perspective after testing the MySmile Fluoride-Free Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste, and offers expert insights on how modern formulas can better support sensitive teeth.
or nearly 30 years, Registered Dental Hygienist and dental speaker Lisa Curbow has cared for patients struggling with sensitivity, enamel wear, and ingredient intolerance. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner and an educator in special-needs dentistry, Lisa has seen firsthand how the wrong toothpaste can make daily brushing painful — while the right formulation can completely change a patient’s experience.
In this interview, Lisa shares her perspective after testing the MySmile Fluoride-Free Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste, and offers expert insights on how modern formulas can better support sensitive teeth.
“My first impression was how clean and gentle it felt — effective, but without that harsh bite.”
— Lisa Curbow, RDH
Sensitivity is one of the most common complaints Lisa sees in clinical practice. But as she explains, the problem isn’t only the teeth — it’s often the toothpaste.
“A lot of patients believe sensitivity is something they just have to live with. But many times, the ingredients they’re using every day are making it worse.”
Traditional formulas often rely on:
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strong detergents like SLS,
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aggressive whitening abrasives,
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intense mint oils,
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or high-foam surfactants.
For patients with:
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exposed dentin,
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thinning enamel,
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dry mouth,
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chronic illness,
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or sensory sensitivities,
these ingredients can lead to stinging, burning, or lingering discomfort.
Why Nano-Hydroxyapatite Is Changing the Landscape for Sensitive Teeth
As Lisa explains, sensitivity often begins with microscopic defects in enamel. When tubules are exposed, cold and hot sensations reach the nerve more easily.
That’s where nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) becomes a meaningful ingredient.
“Nano-hydroxyapatite doesn’t mask sensitivity — it helps rebuild the surface. It fills in the areas where the enamel has weakened.”
In her review of MySmile’s toothpaste, she pointed out three benefits:
✔ nHAp supports natural remineralization
✔ It smooths the enamel surface
✔ It reduces sensitivity without numbing agents
This makes it ideal for daily, long-term use.
The Role of Clean, Gentle Ingredients for High-Sensitivity Patients
Lisa emphasizes that sensitivity is not just about enamel — it’s also about tissue tolerance.
“Some of my patients can’t handle strong flavors or foaming. They need a formula that respects the mouth, not overwhelms it.”
With MySmile’s fluoride-free formula, she highlighted:
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No SLS — less burning, less irritation
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Mild mint flavor — well tolerated by sensory-sensitive users
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Coconut-derived cleansers — gentle but still provide a fresh-clean feeling
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Baking soda + xylitol — effective but non-harsh plaque control
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Cyclodextrin — helps neutralize odor-causing molecules without intensity
Lisa noted:
“Patients with dementia, dry mouth, autism spectrum sensitivities, or chronic illness often do better with low-foam, low-intensity products.”
This aligns directly with MySmile’s ingredient philosophy.
“This is a paste I can see many of my sensitive patients using comfortably, every day.”
— Lisa Curbow, RDH
In closing, Lisa summarized her experience:
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Gentle, not irritating
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Good enamel support
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Sensory-friendly flavor
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Daily-use appropriate
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Clean ingredient list
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Strong alternative for fluoride-free users
Her takeaway:
“If someone has sensitivity and hasn’t found a toothpaste they can truly tolerate — this kind of formula can make a big difference.”
