Best Toothpaste for Sensitive teeth, are a typical problem for many people. A 2019 systematic review estimated that around 11.5% of people in the U.S. experience this condition. The level of discomfort varies widely—while some people feel mild pain when consuming cold foods like ice cream, others report intense discomfort, according to the Oral Health Foundation. Interestingly, women and individuals aged 20 to 40 are more likely to experience tooth sensitivity, likely due to hormonal influences that increase blood flow to the gums, as suggested by the American Dental Association.
Tooth sensitivity can arise from various causes. Dr. Eunjung Jo, DDS, a dentist at Astor Smile Dental in New York City, explains that the primary causes are worn enamel and gum recession. However, other factors like cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, worn fillings, and gum disease can also contribute to sensitivity. This highlights the importance of regular dental checkups for maintaining optimal oral health.
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce tooth sensitivity, both at home and in the dental office. Choosing the right toothpaste is a simple but effective step—ingredients like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride are particularly beneficial for those with sensitive teeth. Below is a curated list of the top nine toothpastes designed to relieve sensitivity, reviewed by an orthodontist for medical accuracy and effectiveness in managing this common dental issue.
Contents
Best Overall
Colgate Sensitive Prevent & Repair Toothpaste
Why We Like It
For those seeking maximum-strength relief from tooth sensitivity, Dr. Asharie Campbell, DMD, a dentist at Circle City Dentists in Sebring, Florida, recommends this toothpaste for its powerful formula. It contains the highest allowable concentration of potassium nitrate (5%), a key ingredient known for providing strong protection against sensitivity.
Who has very sensitive teeth and has tried numerous toothpastes with mixed results, rates this as the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth. It delivers a refreshing, clean feeling, and more importantly, truly works. Unlike other options that fell short in one way or another, this one ticks all the boxes—it’s pleasant to use, tastes great, and produces real results. It even has whitening properties, a rare find in a toothpaste formulated for sensitivity.
Dr. Campbell also highlights that this toothpaste’s fluoride content further boosts its effectiveness. A fluoride-enriched toothpaste for sensitive teeth, like this option from Colgate, can help prevent sensitivity from worsening by strengthening the enamel. Additionally, fluoride aids in remineralizing weakened enamel, a benefit supported by research.
Something to Keep in Mind
The minty flavor of this toothpaste is mild and may not linger long.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Gentle mint
- Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride
Best Overall Runner-Up
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste
Why We Like It
Sensodyne is widely regarded as the top dentist-recommended toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and for a good reason—it’s effective and endorsed by professionals. Dr. Kristen Klement Oldham, DMD, from Klement Family Dental in St. Petersburg, Florida, cites it as her preferred choice because it’s specifically designed to address tooth sensitivity.
Among Sensodyne’s range of options, this particular formula stands out, containing the highest allowed concentration of potassium nitrate, which has been proven to noticeably reduce sensitivity. Additionally, it includes fluoride to help prevent cavities and a whitening agent to brighten teeth.
After just a few days of use, we saw whiter teeth, and after several weeks, there was a clear improvement in overall sensitivity. Each use left our teeth feeling smooth and fresh, with notable effectiveness against morning breath. While we hope the sensitivity relief continues to build, our editor was impressed enough to keep using it well beyond the testing period.
Something to Keep in Mind
The minty flavor may initially cause a slight burning sensation. This subsides with continued use, but those sensitive to strong flavors may prefer a milder formula.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Not specified
- Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride
Best Budget
Colgate Total Deep Clean Toothpaste
Why We Like It
Toothpastes for sensitive teeth often come at a premium, but this option from Colgate offers solid performance at a more affordable price. It features stannous fluoride, which not only protects against cavities but also effectively reduces sensitivity. Plus, with a slightly larger tube, you’re getting even more value.
In our experience, this toothpaste delivered on all fronts. It provided a deep, full-mouth clean, leaving our teeth feeling smooth and polished—all without triggering any sensitivity. The mild flavor and white formula were pleasant, and the white color made any residue less noticeable compared to blue gels.
Something to Keep in Mind
This toothpaste is straightforward—it covers the basics well but doesn’t include extra features. We found ourselves wishing for a slightly stronger flavor.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Not specified
- Key Ingredient: Stannous fluoride
Best Whitening
Crest Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Why We Like It
Good gum health is crucial for addressing issues like sensitivity, and caring for your gums now can help prevent problems down the line, says Dr. Campbell. She recommends stannous fluoride toothpaste to reduce sensitivity while also lowering the risk of gingivitis and gum disease, both of which can worsen sensitivity.
This Crest toothpaste is formulated with stannous fluoride to improve gum health, reduce sensitivity, and protect against cavities. It also has whitening benefits—our editor noticed her teeth became at least one shade brighter. Typically, whitening toothpastes can increase her sensitivity, but this one managed to whiten without causing discomfort. She was so pleased that she switched from her usual Sensodyne to this Crest formula.
Something to Keep in Mind
The minty flavor caused a slight tingling sensation, but it was minimal and not bothersome.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Not specified
- Key Ingredient: Stannous fluoride
Best Total Care
Twice Oral Wellness Toothpaste with Fluoride
Why We Like It
Potassium nitrate is one of the best ingredients for addressing tooth sensitivity, and in this toothpaste, it’s the second ingredient, right after sodium fluoride. Together, these ingredients help prevent cavities and reduce sensitivity. This formula is also vegan-friendly and includes other beneficial ingredients, like anti-inflammatory vitamins and aloe, making it ideal for tackling a range of oral health concerns.
Our editor with sensitive teeth found this Twice toothpaste to be just as effective as Sensodyne. Where it truly excelled was in improving breath freshness—especially noticeable after coffee. We enjoyed the taste and refreshing scent, and it kept our mouths feeling clean throughout the day.
Something to Keep in Mind
The formula becomes watery when brushing, which can get a bit messy, and it doesn’t offer much in terms of teeth whitening.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Wintergreen peppermint
- Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride
Best Natural
Arm & Hammer Essentials Whiten & Strengthen Fluoride Toothpaste
Why We Like It
From the first use, we were genuinely impressed with this toothpaste. Its affordable price made it appealing, but its gentle and effective formula truly won us over. Our editor, who has sensitive teeth and finds many toothpastes too harsh, found this one remarkably gentle. It provided a deep clean, whitened teeth, and left them feeling stronger—all without increasing sensitivity.
This toothpaste includes fluoride for cavity protection, and, true to Arm & Hammer’s reputation, it also contains baking soda for added whitening benefits. A 2017 review in The Journal of the American Dental Association supports baking soda’s effectiveness for stain removal and whitening with less abrasiveness.
Something to Keep in Mind
The mint flavor is quite mild, which our editor liked, though some may prefer a stronger taste. As a whitening toothpaste, it could be too abrasive for those with very sensitive teeth.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Fresh mint
- Key Ingredients: Baking soda, sodium fluoride
Best Flavors
HiSmile Everyday SmileCare
Why We Like It
Toothpaste flavors often stick to the classic mint, with kids’ options featuring fruity varieties that aren’t designed for adults. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, HiSmile offers over a dozen unique flavors, including Coconut, Red Velvet, and Cotton Candy. We tried the Watermelon flavor, which was just as delightful as it sounds—refreshingly sweet with a hint of mint, but not overwhelmingly sugary.
Although this toothpaste isn’t specifically formulated for sensitive teeth, it’s free from ingredients that could exacerbate sensitivity. Our editor found it gentle enough not to irritate her sensitive teeth, which was a significant advantage. We also appreciated the eye-catching bottle design, making daily use a pleasure.
Something to Keep in Mind
While a small amount of this formula goes a long way, the bottle is smaller than the average toothpaste tube, containing only two ounces compared to the usual four to six ounces. We encountered some issues with the pump, which was sometimes unreliable, and the opaque design made it hard to see when we were running low.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Watermelon
- Key Ingredient: Sodium fluoride
Best for Kids
Firefly Natural Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
Why We Like It
Children can experience sensitive teeth too, so our editor put this toothpaste to the test with her kids. Although they don’t have sensitivity issues, they found this toothpaste smooth and easy to use. The sweet flavor was a hit, and they had no complaints about the texture. With fluoride included, it not only tastes great but also protects developing teeth from cavities.
Our editor’s children loved using it, which likely made the tooth-brushing routine more enjoyable and efficient. We also appreciated the clever packaging; the upright canister dispenses toothpaste with a simple press on the top, making it much neater than squeezing from a traditional tube, which can often lead to messy counters.
Something to Keep in Mind
When our editor tried the toothpaste herself, she found the flavor quite sweet—perhaps too much for adult tastes, even if it’s perfect for kids.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Strawberry
- Key Ingredient: Sodium fluoride
Best Fluoride-Free
POPWHITE Whitening Primer Toothpaste
Why We Like It
This toothpaste functions like a color-correcting purple shampoo for blonde hair—the purple hue neutralizes yellow tones, helping teeth look whiter and brighter. Before the testing period ended, our editor noticed a subtle but distinct improvement in the whiteness of her teeth.
With sensitive teeth and gums, our editor often struggles to use certain products due to irritation and flaking along her gums. Given the severity of her sensitivity, she was initially apprehensive about how this toothpaste would affect her, but it proved to be very gentle. She experienced no increase in sensitivity.
So, what makes this toothpaste effective? While it’s fluoride-free, it boasts a blend of beneficial ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil. It applies smoothly, creates a pleasant foam, and leaves teeth feeling clean and polished. Plus, the purple formula didn’t stain any clothing or towels during use.
Something to Keep in Mind
Although some users prefer fluoride-free options, the American Dental Association and many dentists recommend fluoride for both adults and children due to its proven benefits.
Product Details:
- Flavor: Mint
- Key Ingredients: Xylitol, baking soda, coconut oil
Our Testing Process
For several weeks, we rigorously tested a selection of toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth. Before diving into the evaluations, we consulted two experienced dentists—Lena Varone, DMD, a cosmetic dentist based in New York, and Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, a professor at UCLA School of Dentistry—to understand how to effectively choose and use these products.
With their expert guidance, our editors evaluated 12 toothpastes over a minimum of two weeks. Each day, we brushed our teeth twice for two minutes, adhering to the brushing techniques recommended by the American Dental Association.
To finalize our top picks, we focused on several key attributes:
- Effectiveness: We documented our journey with photos to track any visible improvements throughout the testing period. We paid close attention to how our teeth felt after weeks of use, especially regarding sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Comfort: Different toothpaste formulations can vary significantly in texture. We shared our experiences on how each one applied and foamed. For whitening formulas, we specifically noted any immediate increases in sensitivity after use.
- Taste: While minty and fruity flavors are common, some brands offer a wider variety. We evaluated the taste of each toothpaste, noting whether it was enjoyable or unpleasant, as well as how long it kept our breath fresh.
Our Experts
To identify the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth, we began by interviewing several practicing dentists. Their insights helped us understand the essential qualities of effective toothpaste for sensitivity relief. Among the dental professionals we consulted were:
- Asharie Campbell, DMD, at Circle City Dentists of Sebring, Florida
- Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, UCLA School of Dentistry
- Eunjung Jo, DDS, Astor Smile Dental in New York City
- Kristen Klement Oldham, DMD, Klement Family Dental in St. Petersburg, Florida
- Jessica Pharar, DMD, in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Lena Varone, DMD, New York-based cosmetic dentist
How can I avoid my teeth from getting sensitive?
Brushing twice a day with toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can significantly help reduce sensitivity. You might also consider special mouthwashes and electric toothbrushes. Additionally, avoiding habits like aggressive brushing and consuming extreme hot, cold, or acidic foods is crucial. If sensitivity persists, consult your dentist for a prescription-strength toothpaste or a custom night guard.
Can toothpaste fix sensitive teeth?
Absolutely! The right toothpaste can alleviate sensitivity by sealing the pores of exposed dentin, which typically causes discomfort. Formulated with active ingredients like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride, these toothpastes target hypersensitivity while promoting overall oral health.
Can you use sensitive toothpaste every day?
Yes, sensitive toothpaste is safe for daily use, just like regular toothpaste. The American Dental Association suggests brushing twice a day for two minutes each.
