Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Top Picks for 2023

Tooth sensitivity can be a real pain, quite literally. It can make it difficult to eat and drink certain foods and beverages and even make brushing your teeth uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are toothpaste options available that can help alleviate this discomfort. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

When it comes to selecting a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to look for toothpaste that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes are formulated with ingredients that help block pain signals from reaching the nerves in your teeth. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the fluoride content of the toothpaste, as fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.

After researching and testing various toothpaste options, we’ve identified the top toothpaste options for sensitive teeth. In this article, we’ll be discussing the features and benefits of each toothpaste and what sets them apart from the competition. So, if you’re tired of dealing with tooth sensitivity, read on to discover the best toothpaste options to help alleviate your discomfort.

Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

We understand that finding the right toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve done the research and put together a list of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes are specially formulated to provide relief from sensitivity while still effectively cleaning your teeth and freshening your breath. Whether you’re looking for a fluoride-free option or a toothpaste with added whitening benefits, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Protect your teeth from acid erosion and build a stronger foundation with Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth. We recommend this toothpaste because it actively rehardens and strengthens enamel, repairs microdamage, and inhibits demineralization.

Pros

  • Actively rehardens and strengthens enamel
  • Repairs microdamage and inhibits demineralization
  • Protects against pain triggers and provides lasting relief

Cons

  • Small 3.4 oz tube size
  • Extra fresh flavor may not be for everyone
  • Price may be higher than other toothpastes

Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth is a great choice for those who need enamel repair and sensitivity protection. The toothpaste helps minerals penetrate deep into the enamel surface to repair microdamage, then rebuild and reharden enamel for strong, healthy teeth. It also protects you against cavities and damage caused by exposure to everyday acidic foods or stomach acid, thanks to its potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride ingredients.

We appreciate that this toothpaste is designed to provide ongoing sensitivity protection and relief, with a refreshing taste for fresh breath. Brushing twice a day with this Extra Fresh toothpaste 3 pack protects your teeth from pain triggers.

Overall, Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth is a great choice for those who need enamel repair and sensitivity protection. It may be pricier than other toothpastes, but the benefits make it worth the investment.

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste

If you are looking for a toothpaste that can relieve tooth sensitivity and protect your teeth from cavities, Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste is a great choice.

Pros

  • Provides sensitivity relief in as little as three days with twice daily brushing
  • Creates a protective layer over exposed dentin to protect sensitive teeth
  • Effectively cleans and helps brighten stained teeth

Cons

  • May cause a burning sensation for some users
  • Not as effective for severe tooth sensitivity
  • May not provide long-term relief for some users

We have been using Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste for a few weeks now and have noticed a significant improvement in tooth sensitivity. The toothpaste has a pleasant taste and leaves our mouth feeling fresh. It also effectively cleans and helps brighten stained teeth.

However, some users may experience a burning sensation while using this toothpaste. Additionally, it may not be as effective for severe tooth sensitivity and may not provide long-term relief for some users.

Overall, if you are looking for a toothpaste that can provide relief from tooth sensitivity and protect your teeth from cavities, Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste is definitely worth trying.

Colgate Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Colgate Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

If you’re looking for a toothpaste that provides long-lasting sensitivity relief while also keeping your teeth whiter and brighter, Colgate Sensitive Whitening toothpaste is worth considering.

Pros

  • Provides 24/7 sensitivity protection with twice-daily brushing
  • Contains potassium nitrate, clinically proven to soothe the nerves in exposed dentin
  • Helps repair weakened enamel, protect teeth from cavities and provides fresh breath

Cons

  • May not be as effective as other brands for some people
  • May not provide instant relief for severe sensitivity
  • May not be suitable for people with allergies to certain ingredients

We’ve been using Colgate Sensitive Whitening toothpaste for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with the results. Our teeth feel less sensitive, and we’ve noticed a gradual improvement in their whiteness.

The toothpaste has a pleasant fresh mint gel flavor, which leaves our mouths feeling clean and refreshed. We like that it contains glycerin, which helps to hydrate the mouth and prevent dryness.

One thing to note is that the toothpaste may not be as effective as other brands for some people. It may not provide instant relief for severe sensitivity, and it may not be suitable for people with allergies to certain ingredients.

Overall, we would recommend Colgate Sensitive Whitening toothpaste to anyone looking for a toothpaste that provides long-lasting sensitivity relief with the added benefit of whitening.

Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste

Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste

If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste that can help relieve your sensitive tooth pain, Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste might be right for you. The powerful combination of arginine and calcium carbonate, both derived from natural sources, seals the pathways to sensitive tooth nerves to help block the pain. This clinically-proven, fluoride-free toothpaste can offer long-lasting protection, with a great flavor.

Pros

  • The toothpaste is fluoride-free and contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
  • The combination of arginine and calcium carbonate can help block pain caused by sensitive teeth.
  • Tom’s of Maine is a Certified B Corp committed to supporting local communities for meaningful change, donating 10% of its profits to charities supporting health, education, and the environment.

Cons

  • Some users might not like the taste of the toothpaste.
  • The toothpaste might not work for everyone with sensitive teeth.
  • The toothpaste might not provide rapid relief for everyone.

We’ve tried Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste and were impressed with its ability to help relieve our sensitive tooth pain. The toothpaste has a fresh mint flavor and leaves our mouths feeling clean and refreshed. We also appreciate that the tube is recyclable, and Tom’s of Maine is committed to using natural ingredients and supporting local communities.

If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste that can help relieve your sensitive tooth pain, we recommend giving Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste a try.

Sensodyne Fresh Mint Sensitive Toothpaste

Sensodyne Fresh Mint Sensitive Toothpaste

If you’re looking for a toothpaste that can help with sensitive teeth, Sensodyne Fresh Mint Sensitive Toothpaste is a great option. With a mint flavor that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean, this toothpaste can provide relief and lasting sensitivity protection.

Pros

  • Provides lasting sensitivity relief and protection with twice daily brushing
  • Works deep inside the tooth to calm the nerves
  • Offers the same cavity protection benefits of regular anticavity toothpaste, to maintain healthy teeth

Cons

  • More expensive per ounce than other brands
  • Hard to find at local stores

We’ve been using Sensodyne Fresh Mint Sensitive Toothpaste for years, and it’s been helpful in reducing our tooth sensitivity. With twice daily brushing, this toothpaste can build 24/7 protection against sensitivity by protecting exposed areas of dentin and working deep inside the tooth to calm the nerves. We also appreciate that it delivers the same cavity protection benefits of regular anticavity toothpaste, for healthy teeth and fresh breath.

One downside to this toothpaste is that it’s more expensive per ounce than other brands. Finally, it can be hard to find at local stores, so we usually order it online.

Overall, if you’re looking for a toothpaste that can help with sensitive teeth, we highly recommend giving Sensodyne Fresh Mint Sensitive Toothpaste a try.

Arm & Hammer Sensitive Teeth & Gums Toothpaste

ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Teeth & Gums Toothpaste image

If you’re looking for a toothpaste that can help with sensitive teeth and gums, you should definitely consider Arm & Hammer Sensitive Teeth & Gums Toothpaste.

Pros

  • Naturally powered by ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for healthier teeth and gums
  • Neutralizes harmful acids before they damage teeth
  • Penetrates between teeth and along gum line for a deep clean

Cons

  • May cause excessive frothing
  • Contains some ingredients that some users may not prefer
  • May not be as effective as other toothpastes for severe sensitivity

We’ve been using this toothpaste for a while now, and we’ve been impressed with the results. The baking soda in the formula helps to neutralize harmful acids before they can damage our teeth, and it penetrates between our teeth and along the gum line for a deep clean. We’ve noticed a reduction in sensitivity since we started using it, and our gums feel healthier as well.

One thing to keep in mind is that this toothpaste may cause excessive frothing, which can be a bit messy. Additionally, some users may not prefer some of the ingredients in the formula. Finally, if you have severe sensitivity, this toothpaste may not be as effective as some other options on the market.

Overall, we think Arm & Hammer Sensitive Teeth & Gums Toothpaste is a great choice for anyone looking for a toothpaste that can help with sensitivity and promote healthier teeth and gums.

Buying Guide

When choosing a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, it’s important to consider a few key features to ensure that you’re getting the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Active Ingredients

Look for toothpaste that contains active ingredients like potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, or strontium chloride. These ingredients work to desensitize the nerves in your teeth and can provide relief from sensitivity.

Abrasiveness

Toothpaste that is too abrasive can actually make sensitivity worse. Look for toothpaste that is low in abrasiveness, with a Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) score of 250 or less.

Fluoride Content

Fluoride is important for overall oral health, but some people with sensitive teeth may find that high levels of fluoride exacerbate their sensitivity. Look for toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million (ppm).

Flavor and Texture

While not as important as the other factors, flavor and texture can play a role in your overall satisfaction with a toothpaste. Look for a flavor and texture that you enjoy and that makes brushing a pleasant experience.

Overall, the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth is one that effectively desensitizes your teeth without causing further irritation. By considering the factors above, you can choose a toothpaste that meets your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth?

There are several toothpastes available in the market that are specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Some of the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth include Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive, and Crest Sensitivity. These toothpastes contain active ingredients that help to relieve sensitivity and provide a protective layer to the teeth.

What do dentists recommend for sensitive teeth?

Dentists recommend using toothpastes that are specifically designed for sensitive teeth. They also recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding acidic foods and drinks. In some cases, dentists may also recommend using a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen the teeth.

What is the best toothpaste for instant sensitivity relief?

Sensodyne Rapid Relief is one of the best toothpastes for instant sensitivity relief. It contains potassium nitrate, which helps to provide immediate relief from sensitivity. This toothpaste also contains fluoride, which helps to protect the teeth from cavities.

Is Sensodyne better than Colgate Sensitive?

Both Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive are effective toothpastes for sensitive teeth. However, the best toothpaste for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It is best to consult with your dentist to determine which toothpaste is right for you.

Which is the best Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums?

Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening is the best Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums. This toothpaste contains fluoride and is gentle on the teeth and gums. It also helps to whiten the teeth without causing sensitivity.

What is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth and enamel repair?

Colgate Enamel Health is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth and enamel repair. This toothpaste contains fluoride and is designed to help strengthen and repair enamel. It also helps to relieve sensitivity and prevent cavities.

Sources

All Second Opinion Dentist content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

  1. Hu, M.-L., Zheng, G., Zhang, Y.-D., Yan, X., Li, X.-C., & Lin, H. (2018). Effect of desensitizing toothpastes on dentine hypersensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dentistry, 75, 12–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2018.05.012
  2. Amaechi, B. T., Lemke, K. C., Saha, S., Luong, M. N., & Gelfond, J. (2021). Clinical efficacy of nanohydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste at relieving dentin hypersensitivity: an 8 weeks randomized control trial. BDJ Open, 7(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41405-021-00080-7

About the author

Dr. Latecia Miller is a board-certified dentist and graduate of The University of Utah School of Dentistry. She has several years of clinical practice experience across a wide variety of cases, treatment, and research. Dr. Miller's primary goal is to spread her love of dental health to her patients and the public.