Best Clinically Proven Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth

When it comes to our dental care routine, selecting the right toothpaste is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile.

With numerous options available, finding the best one can be overwhelming. For those dealing with sensitive teeth, it's essential to find a toothpaste with soothing properties.

In this article, we will discuss the process of tooth sensitivity, explore the valuable active ingredients to look out for, and discover the best toothpaste options that provide fast and long-lasting relief.

How Desensitizing Toothpastes Work?

To understand how desensitizing toothpastes work, let's first take a look at why teeth can become sensitive.



Our teeth have two protective hard layers: enamel and dentin.

Sensitivity occurs when the dentin, which is located beneath the enamel, becomes exposed to the outside environment of the mouth. This exposure can happen due to factors like enamel wear, fractures, cavities, or receding gums.

Why is dentin more sensitive than enamel?

Dentin is more sensitive compared to enamel for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it sits directly on the tooth's nerves, making it more susceptible to stimulation.

Additionally, dentin contains tiny channels called dentinal tubules, which run through its thickness and connect with the dental pulp. On the surface of dentin, there can be around 10,000 to 25,000 dentinal tubules per square millimeter.

When the dentin is exposed and comes into contact with stimuli like cold, hot, or sweet substances, these dentinal tubules transmit the message to the nerves, resulting in short, sharp pain.

How Desensitizing Toothpastes Work?

Now, let's delve into how desensitizing toothpastes work to alleviate sensitivity in teeth. There are two main mechanisms behind their effectiveness.

First, some toothpastes contain numbing active ingredients like Potassium Nitrate. These ingredients work as anesthetics by numbing and blocking the pain message in the dentinal tubules. Essentially, they help reduce sensitivity by preventing the nerves from perceiving the stimulus as pain.

On the other hand, some desensitizing toothpastes contain remineralizing active ingredients such as Strontium Chloride, Arginine-Calcium Carbonate, Stannous Fluoride, Novamin, or Nano-Hydroxyapatite. These ingredients help close the dentinal tubules exposed on the tooth surface. By doing so, they act as remineralizing agents, reinforcing the tooth structure and reducing the transmission of stimuli through the tubules.

In both cases, desensitizing toothpastes work by blocking stimulation and preventing it from spreading and being interpreted as pain.

Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth:

When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth, there are several options available. Let's take a look at some of the top recommended brands and their active ingredients:

1. Sensodyne:

Sensodyne is a clinically proven brand that is highly recommended for relieving tooth sensitivity. It offers effective active ingredients in different types of toothpaste. Two notable options are:

Sensodyne Rapid Relief:

This toothpaste is clinically proven to relieve sensitivity pain in just 60 seconds. It contains stannous fluoride, which helps remineralize the teeth and creates a protective barrier over sensitive areas. It is recommended to brush your teeth with this toothpaste twice a day. You can also apply a small amount to sensitive areas and leave it for 1 minute before brushing.

Sensodyne Repair and Protect (Novamin):

This toothpaste contains Novamin (Calcium sodium phosphosilicate) as an active ingredient. When in contact with saliva, Novamin releases calcium and phosphorus, which are the building blocks of enamel and dentin. This helps in building a long-lasting protective barrier while also remineralizing the teeth. So, if you want to treat sensitivity while strengthening your enamel, Sensodyne Repair and Protect is a great option.

2. Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief:

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief is another clinically proven toothpaste for relieving tooth sensitivity. It utilizes the technology of arginine-calcium carbonate to seal the exposed dentinal tubules, blocking the pain pathway. For instant relief, you can apply the toothpaste directly to the sensitive area for 1 minute. However, to maintain results, regular use is necessary.

4. Parodontax Toothpaste Clean Mint:

Parodontax Toothpaste is specially made to tackle gum disease and its symptoms, especially bleeding gums.
It contains stannous fluoride, an active ingredient that provides dual benefits. As we have seen earlier, it helps protect the tooth surface, preventing sensitivities. Additionally, stannous fluoride possesses antibacterial properties, aiding in the prevention of cavities and gum disease.
Another good part about Parodontax is that it is gentler and less abrasive than other toothpastes, making it a great option for sensitive teeth.

5. Davids Nano Hydroxyapatite Natural Toothpaste for Sensitivity:

Davids sensitivity toothpaste uses nano-hydroxyapatite (N-Ha), a natural crystal that makes up 97% of teeth material. It binds to the tooth surface, penetrates the dentinal tubules responsible for sensitivity, and seals them. N-Ha is also known to remineralize enamel and helps reverse the early stages of decay.

Aside from helping with sensitivity, Davids sensitivity toothpaste contains micro-polishing agents that gently remove plaque and surface stains without irritating the tooth. Additionally, it is fluoride-free, making it an ideal option for those who prefer fluoride-free toothpaste.

The Toothpastes to Avoid When Having Sensitive Teeth

While there are toothpastes specifically formulated for sensitive teeth, it's important to be aware of those that may not be suitable for this purpose.

The first to avoid are whitening toothpastes. These often contain abrasive agents and hydrogen peroxide that can be harsh on sensitive teeth and may cause further irritation and discomfort.

The abrasive agents rub against the enamel, potentially contributing to tooth porosity and sensitivity.

Other toothpastes containing tartar control agents can also be harsh on your teeth.

Ultimately, when choosing your toothpaste, look for products specifically labeled for sensitivity relief. These are formulated to be gentle and often contain active ingredients that help alleviate sensitivity without causing further irritation.

What to Look Out for Before Starting Any Desensitizing Treatment?

Before beginning any desensitizing treatment at home, there are a few important factors to consider and dental conditions to rule out. Here are some things to look out for:

1. Visible Dental Injuries: If your sensitivity is due to a visible lesion (such as a fracture or cavity), it's crucial to have it treated by your dentist as soon as possible. These conditions require professional attention and cannot be resolved by using a desensitizing agent. Leaving cavities untreated can lead to further deterioration and worsening over time.


2. Dental Check-up: It's recommended to schedule a dental check-up to ensure no underlying dental issues are contributing to your tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can examine your teeth and gums to identify any potential causes and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.

Best practices for sensitive teeth:

In addition to using a desensitizing toothpaste, there are some good practices and habits that can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment:

1. Brushing Technique: Pay attention to your brushing technique. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to avoid further enamel wear or gum irritation. Avoid brushing too aggressively, as it can contribute to your discomfort.


2. Diet: Be mindful of your diet, particularly foods and beverages that may trigger tooth sensitivity. Limit or avoid highly acidic or sugary foods and drinks, as they can worsen sensitivity. Opt for a balanced diet that promotes good oral health.


3. Teeth Grinding: If you have the habit of grinding and clenching your teeth (bruxism), it's important to address it. Grinding can wear down the enamel and expose the dentin. Your dentist may recommend a nightguard or other methods to help manage this habit.

When to See Your Dentist?

If your tooth sensitivity continues to bother you even after using a sensitive toothpaste consistently, it may be a sign of an underlying dental issue that requires professional attention.

In such situations, your dentist can provide more advanced in-office techniques to help resolve your sensitivity. These may include:

1. Highly Concentrated Numbing Agent: Your dentist may use a highly concentrated numbing agent to temporarily alleviate sensitivity and provide relief.


2. Fluoride Varnish: This highly concentrated fluoride preparation creates a protective barrier against sensitivities and further damage.


3. Sealing Dentinal Tubules: In-office procedures can involve the application of a filling material to seal the exposed dentinal tubules, providing long-lasting relief.


4. Gum Graft: If receding gums are the cause of your sensitivity, a gum graft procedure may be recommended to cover the exposed roots.