By admin 
Our featured picks
For everyday support
Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Enamel Shield Toothpaste
Editor-favorite toothpaste
Sensodyne Sensitivity Gum and Enamel Toothpaste
Fluoride-free option
Boka Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Though our teeth are small, they play a mighty role in our overall health and general wellness. And if you’ve ever struggled with tooth sensitivity, then you know firsthand the discomfort that comes along with it. While it’s not a total cure for your symptoms, choosing a daily toothpaste formulated specifically to treat sensitive teeth can help dull sharp pangs and offer relief to the entire mouth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks more easily. To help you find the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth, I asked dentists to share the top ingredients they look for and to give recommendations on the formulations they turn to for daily oral health support.
Best fluoride toothpastes for sensitive teeth
Sensodyne Repair & Protect Toothpaste
Sensodyne is a brand synonymous with sensitive teeth. Its gentle formulas and widespread availability have made it a go-to option for dentists like Dr. Bianca Velayo, owner of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, who called out this Repair and Protect formula as a good daily option. Different from sodium fluoride — the other most common kind of fluoride — this formula is made with stannous fluoride for sensitivity relief, and it can help provide all-day protection by plugging and gradually repairing the exposed dentin tubules that contribute to sensitivity. Cosmetic dentist and founder of Domino Dental Dr. Lilya Horowitz also likes this Sensodyne option, noting that when used consistently, the stannous fluoride formulation tends to deliver relief more quickly than other toothpastes that rely solely on potassium nitrate to help with sensitive teeth.
Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Enamel Shield Toothpaste
Dr. Muhammad Ali Shazib, dean of the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University, said this Crest Pro-Health option is a good multifunctional toothpaste that also tames tooth sensitivity with stannous fluoride. Plus, it has all the additional benefits you want in an everyday toothpaste, like protection against plaque, cavities and gingivitis, as well as enamel support — all delivered with a clean, fresh-breath feeling.
Sensodyne Clinical White Stain Protector Toothpaste
If you want to treat sensitivity without sacrificing a white and bright smile, Shazib pointed to this Sensodyne Clinical White option. It uses potassium nitrate to target pain in the teeth’s nerves, but also has a trifecta of cleaning agents that gently polish the teeth and protect against staining, so your teeth won’t lose any luster. The gentle formula is suitable for daily use and is free from hydrogen peroxide, which is an ingredient that can trigger increased sensitivity in the teeth.
Sensodyne Sensitivity Gum and Enamel Toothpaste
“Sensitive teeth run in my family, so you’ll find Sensodyne’s offerings in almost all of our medicine cabinets,” CNN Underscored deals editor Jacqueline Saguin said. “My dentist has recommended I adopt this particular toothpaste into my daily routine to help maintain my enamel and tame inflammation in my gums.” This formula uses stannous fluoride to help strengthen teeth and dull pain, which Saguin said helps minimize the harsh pangs that sometimes come when drinking cold beverages. Plus, Saguin likes that she can often stock up on a three-pack of this formula for a discount on Amazon.
Colgate Sensitive Complete Protection
Velayo called out this Colgate toothpaste as an option for those with sensitive teeth, since it’s formulated with 5% potassium nitrate to help decrease sensitivity. While the sodium fluoride also included in this formula isn’t as effective at treating sensitivity as stannous fluoride options, it does protect against cavities and help shield your teeth’s enamel against further erosion.
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Our copy editor Rena Behar said her teeth used to be so sensitive that too-cold water from a water fountain would be painful, but she’s found that adding this Sensodyne formula to her routine has helped significantly reduce her discomfort. The formula uses 5% potassium nitrate, which helps calm the nerves inside the teeth and reduce pain signals for those dealing with sensitivity. “I’ve had good experiences with most Sensodyne toothpastes I’ve tried, but eventually landed on this one due to flavor preference and the bonus whitening,” she said.
Related article The 13 best whitening toothpastes to brighten any smile, recommended by dentists
Best nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes for sensitive teeth
Dr. Jen Fluoride-Free 10% Premium Nano-hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
For those with and without sensitive teeth, Dr. Michael Fulbright, a general and cosmetic dentist and founder of Fulbright Dental, said he likes to recommend toothpastes made with nano-hydroxyapatite. Nano-hydroxyapatite has become an increasingly popular toothpaste ingredient in recent years; it’s a smaller particle form of hydroxyapatite, and this smaller size allows it to more effectively penetrate the enamel and dentin tubules in the teeth. Studies show that nano-hydroxyapatite contains materials that mimic the structure of our teeth’s enamel and can remineralize the teeth while also providing relief from sensitivity. Fulbright said Dr. Jen’s line of toothpastes offers a good variety of nano-hydroxyapatite options, all suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This mint version contains 10% nano-hydroxyapatite and has a low-abrasion formula that’s extra gentle on the enamel. It’s also available in fruit flavors like strawberry and watermelon.
Boka Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Shazib said that nano-hydroxyapatite can be a beneficial ingredient for those with sensitive teeth, but noted that it’s still not as well-studied as more conventional fluoride toothpaste options. For those in search of a fluoride-free toothpaste that still supports overall oral health, Shazib said this Boka toothpaste can be a good option. Boka’s toothpastes are becoming more widely available, so you might see them popping up in your local stores, and you can shop the brand’s entire line of offerings online. Some of its standout flavors include mint, cinnamint, lemon lavender and cherry blossom.
Huppy Toothpaste Tablets
These chewable nano-hydroxyapatite tablets turn into a gentle foam when they come into contact with a wet toothbrush, and Fulbright said they’re a nice option if you’re after a more sustainably packaged, plastic-free toothpaste. The tin container is refillable and the small tablets eliminate fears over toothpaste leaks or restrictions when traveling. Plus, in his own use, Fulbright said one single Huppy tablet produced a generous amount of paste, so you can bite them in half to stretch the one-month starter tin even further.
CariFree Gel 1100 Anti-Cavity Toothpaste
Fulbright said one of his go-to, day-to-day toothpaste brands is Carifree. Developed by a dentist, Carifree’s toothpastes have an elevated pH, which helps neutralize the enamel-eroding acids in your mouth that create the conditions for sensitivity. The brand offers toothpastes made with only nano-hydroxyapatite, as well as formulas like this gel option that blend fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite for increased enamel support. Choose from mint, grape and citrus-flavored options, all of which are made without artificial colors, dyes or added sugars.
SuperMouth Fluoride With Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
I was introduced to SuperMouth’s products while writing our guide for creating the best oral health routine, and I like that the dentist-developed brand has toothpastes that use a combination of 10% nano-hydroxyapatite and fluoride to support overall oral health. The low-abrasion formula is gentle on my teeth and is pH-balanced to help maintain a healthy oral environment. The brand also has fluoride-free toothpaste options, which are offered in the same standard mint flavor as well as ice-cream-inspired varieties of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. Though these sweet flavors might sound strange at first, I found the chocolate flavor surprisingly delicious, and it’s a good option for kids too. SuperMouth’s toothpastes are made without artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners or preservatives, so don’t be alarmed if the paste looks more beige than pure white; it will still clean and protect your teeth just as effectively.
Related article 11 editor-favorite dental products that make our teeth-cleaning routines easier
How to choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, you’re not alone. A 2013 study sampling dental practices across the northwestern United States found that one in eight people had dentin hypersensitivity (the more formal term for teeth sensitivity). When people talk about experiencing sensitivity, Shazib said this usually means they’re feeling a “zing” of localized discomfort in their mouth, often triggered by changes in temperature from hot or cold food and beverages.
Choosing a toothpaste formulated specifically for sensitivity is just one thing that can keep your symptoms at bay. The experts I spoke to highlighted some other important considerations that can help ensure your sensitivity doesn’t escalate, in addition to staying on top of your regular oral health routine. Here’s what they recommended keeping in mind when shopping for oral care products.
Look for specific ingredients
To understand tooth sensitivity and how certain ingredients can help tame it, it helps to know some basic tooth anatomy. You may already be familiar with enamel — the hard, protective layer surrounding each of your teeth. Underneath your enamel is a second layer called dentin, which is softer and more prone to sensitivity. The dentin layer of the tooth is made up of tiny tubules that run from the inner pulp of the tooth — where the nerves and blood vessels sit — into the outer layer of enamel. “Those little microtubules have fluid in them and the fluid goes back and forth, all on a microscopic level,” Fulbright said. “Any kind of temperature change on the outside will relay that message to the inside.” As your enamel erodes away, more and more of these dentin tubules become exposed, leading to increased sensitivity in the teeth.
When you’re searching for a toothpaste to help with sensitivity, look for formulations that include stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate, which help reduce pain by blocking the teeth’s tubules and desensitizing the nerves, respectively. Shazib and Velyo also both recommend looking for options that hold the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, as these products have been tested and vetted for their safety and effectiveness. Another factor to keep in mind when shopping for toothpastes is abrasiveness. Highly abrasive toothpastes, like many whitening options, have harsh ingredients that can wear away enamel and contribute to increased sensitivity.
Related article What is hydroxyapatite toothpaste and is it safe to use? We asked dentists about the oral care ingredient
Fulbright said that though potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride can both work well to reduce sensitivity, he prefers toothpastes made with nano-hydroxyapatite. In addition to remineralizing teeth and fighting bacterial buildup in the mouth, there are some studies that suggest hydroxyapatite (the larger particle form of nano-hydroxyapatite) is more effective at reducing hypersensitivity in the mouth than fluoride, noting that it seems to penetrate deeper into the cracks and crevices of the weakened enamel. While nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes can be a good alternative if you’re in search of fluoride-free options, keep in mind that currently only fluoride toothpaste formulas are eligible to receive the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. However, you can find some toothpaste formulas that combine both fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite, delivering the benefits of both ingredients.
Toothpastes formulated for sensitivity won’t work magic overnight. Shazib said that for the best results, you should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing your teeth, and be mindful not to eat or drink anything for at least 20 minutes after brushing, giving the toothpaste time to do its job. Following this protocol twice a day — once in the morning and again at night — should help decrease sensitivity in the mouth, though it may take several weeks of consistent use before you notice a major improvement.
Keep up with brushing and flossing
Regular brushing and flossing are critical for keeping teeth and gums in good condition. When healthy, the gums act like a blanket, tightly wrapping around the teeth and helping protect them, according to Velayo. But with gum inflammation and damage, the blanket slips away, leaving the next layer of the tooth more exposed and vulnerable. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, ensure that you’re not brushing your teeth too hard. Aggressive brushing can create gum recession, which will leave sensitive portions of the teeth more exposed. Remember, your toothbrush should last three to four months, so if the bristles look frayed or bent after a few weeks, this could be an indicator you’re using too much pressure.
Read more Trump admin sends Saudi nuclear deal that includes enrichment pathway to Congress
Shazib said even a small millimeter exposure of the root of the tooth can cause sensitivity to suddenly occur. He recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the teeth, and said it’s important not to brush straight across horizontally, as this movement can scrape the gums. Instead, you should start with your brush bristles at the gumline and sweep away in small circular motions, gently cleaning the teeth and gums at the same time. “That technique is also really helpful because what it does is it gently stimulates the gums, prevents that recession so that sensitivity doesn’t happen,” Shazib said.
Related article Tame gum pain with these 16 expert-approved products
Both Fulbright and Velayo recommend using an electric toothbrush to effectively clean your teeth, though you should still ensure you’re not brushing too aggressively. Velayo added that a lot of newer electric toothbrush models come with built-in pressure sensors that can alert you if you’re brushing too hard. For those with sensitive teeth, Fulbright said he’s also a fan of water flossers, which offer more gentle cleaning. He added that he’ll often tell patients to fill the flosser’s water reservoir with warm water for a more soothing effect on the gums and, optionally, to add in two capfuls of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution too. “When you put a couple capfuls in your water reservoir, it dilutes it down to 1% to 1.5%,” Fulbright said. “So, you’re getting that same antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect of the hydrogen peroxide with warm water.”
Monitor your daily habits
While we reach for oral care products to help clean and fortify our teeth, some of our daily habits can also contribute to increased teeth sensitivity. According to Fulbright, clenching or grinding the teeth can splinter away at the enamel, exposing more of the sensitive dentin layer of your teeth. Diet also plays a big role; foods and drinks that are sugary, acidic or carbonated can wear away at the enamel, especially if you find yourself reaching for them regularly throughout the day. This includes sparkling water — even varieties with no added sugar or flavors — as any carbonated beverage will have a pH that’s lower and more acidic than the natural state of the mouth.
When you’re sipping on drinks that are sugary, hot, cold or fizzy, the bacteria in your mouth jump into action to help break down sugars and carbohydrates. As a byproduct of this bacterial response, acid is released. Shazib said that the more acidic the mouth is, the more prone you’ll be to sensitivities and cavities. This acidic environment also slowly thins the enamel, which is why Shazib said it’s important to give your mouth a chance to recover to its neutral pH. Dryness in the mouth can also create an increased susceptibility to sensitivity, so avoiding alcohol, which can dry the mouth further, and hydrating with water are important for good oral hygiene. Still, even with perfect daily habits, Horowitz said some people may have naturally thinner gums, genetic predispositions or bite issues that can affect the level of sensitivity in their teeth.
Talk with your dentist about persistent sensitivities
Though tooth sensitivity is fairly common, the dentists I talked with stressed that it’s only a symptom, not a diagnosis of problems that might be occurring deeper in the teeth. “It’s also important to distinguish [sensitivity] from other causes of dental pain,” Shazib said. “If a patient wakes up in the middle of the night and their tooth is throbbing, that’s not typically dental sensitivity. That’s something else that’s going on.”
Horowitz noted that our enamel can break down slowly over several years, and once the enamel layer is gone and the dentin is exposed, issues of sensitivity can feel more abrupt and intense. To help prevent further irritation and inflammation in the mouth — which may require root canals or gum surgery to treat — it’s important to consult with your dentist about the sensitivities you’re experiencing. A formal dental evaluation can help pinpoint the root cause of your teeth’s sensitivity and allow your dentist to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
FAQs
Though there are some whitening toothpastes that also have ingredients to target sensitivity, like Sensodyne Repair and Protect Whitening Toothpaste, the dentists I spoke to generally recommend avoiding whitening toothpaste options if you have sensitive teeth. Many whitening toothpastes have either chemical or physical abrasives that can weaken the enamel and inherently increase sensitivity in the teeth.
If you do want to whiten your teeth, it’s best to take a gradual approach. Of course, before beginning any teeth-whitening protocol, it’s best to consult with your dentist to make sure the product or treatment is a good fit for your oral health needs. You should also ensure that your teeth are free from cavities or other dental issues prior to whitening.
Fulbright said he often recommends Perio Protect as a whitening agent for those with sensitive teeth. Though it’s made to treat inflamed gums and prevent gum disease, the gel has a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide formulation that subtly whitens teeth with consistent use. Perio Protect’s gel is designed to be used with custom trays created by your dentist. According to Horowitz, these kinds of trays provide a more controlled application for whitening gels and dental products, and will reduce gum irritation better than bulky or ill-fitting over-the-counter options. The results will be more gradual and take longer to notice compared to professional in-office whitening treatments, but Fulbright said Perio Protect can create a naturally white-looking smile with four to five weeks of consistent use.
The main ingredients in toothpastes for sensitive teeth work by blocking access to the nerves that cause pain and discomfort in our teeth. However, each ingredient operates slightly differently.
Potassium nitrate acts directly on the nerves, calming them and making them less reactive to stimuli, according to Velayo. Horowitz added that potassium nitrate works well to treat sensitivity, but it may take two to four weeks of consistent use before you notice significant relief.
Other ingredients, like stannous fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite, create a physical barrier that plugs the dentin tubules within your teeth. These tubules connect to the pulp in the center of the tooth, where your tooth’s nerves and roots sit. By plugging these exposed tubules, these ingredients reduce the movement of fluid within the tooth, which means the beverage you might be drinking won’t penetrate to more sensitive areas of the teeth and trigger pain. Plus, they also work to strengthen your teeth and remineralize your enamel over time.
Fluoride toothpastes can be a good option for reducing tooth sensitivity. However, the experts I spoke to recommended toothpaste options that contain stannous fluoride for treating sensitivity. Like sodium fluoride — the other most common fluoride ingredient — stannous fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, but it has additional antimicrobial properties that aid in combatting plaque and calcium buildup and it reduces sensitivity by creating a protective layer on top of exposed dentin tubules.
Horowitz said stannous fluoride contains tin ions, and while newer toothpaste formulations are more stabilized, she said some people may see some slight staining on their teeth when using stannous fluoride products. However, this discoloration is only temporary and can be removed with a standard dental cleaning.
Hydroxyapatite, the larger particle form of nano-hydroxyapatite, was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s and has been widely used in toothpastes in Japan for several decades. It’s unlikely you’ll see nano-hydroxyapatite options flooding the shelves of your local drugstores, but you can find many options online or at more boutique oral care stores and dental offices.
Fulbright recommended several nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste options for those with sensitive teeth. Nano-hydroxyapatite also has properties that gradually whiten teeth over time. There are some studies that suggest hydroxyapatite is more effective at reducing hypersensitivity in teeth than fluoride, though there are currently no fluoride-free, nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance
Related article You’re brushing all wrong. 5 tips for better oral hygiene from an expert
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
- Dr. Michael Fulbright, general and cosmetic dentist and founder of Fulbright Dental in Redondo Beach, CA
- Dr. Lilya Horowitz, cosmetic dentist and founder of Domino Dental in Brooklyn, NY
- Dr. Muhammad Ali Shazib, dean of the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University in High Point, NC
- Dr. Bianca Velayo, general dentist and owner of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry in Henderson, NV
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.
For this story, CNN Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy consulted four dentists on the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth. She also asked the experts to share the best ingredients to look for to tame sensitivity as well as daily habits that might be contributing to teeth sensitivity. She regularly covers health and fitness topics, using expert insights to help you make more informed and empowered product choices.
Want the latest discounts?
CNN Underscored scans thousands of products every hour, so you don’t have to.
See latest discounts
Jillian Tracy is an associate editor at CNN Underscored who covers topics that span the lifestyle vertical such as fashion, health, sustainability, beauty and outdoors. You can find her trying to catch up on her Goodreads goal, planning her next travel adventure or rewatching “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Read more How worried should the GOP be about two Dan Sullivans on the ballot in Alaska?
Latest Articles
-
The best toothpastes to strengthen and support sensitive teeth, according to dentists and editors
-
22 of the best products for fuller-looking brows, according to makeup artists
-
Can the viral Archies flip-flops really provide all-day comfort and support? We tested them for weeks to find out
Explore trending products
Wander Beauty Eye Patches, 6 Pairs
Read our review
Ring Battery Doorbell
Read our review
DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace
Optase Hylo Relief Eye Drops
