Best Desensitizing Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth Relief

Dealing with Sensitive Teeth?

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you know how painful something as simple as drinking a cold glass of water or eating ice cream can be. The sudden sharp pains shoot through your mouth, making you wince. And it seems like no matter what you do - avoid cold foods and drinks, switch to a soft brush, cut out acidic foods - your teeth remain sensitive.

Luckily, there are specially formulated toothpastes called desensitizing toothpastes that can provide relief. These toothpastes work in various ways to block pain signals and cover exposed dentin. Here's a look at how they work plus the 10 best desensitizing toothpastes to try for pain relief.

How Do Desensitizing Toothpastes Work?

Before diving into the top desensitizing toothpaste picks, let's look at how these specialty pastes actually work. There are a few main ways that these formulas address sensitivity:

Nerve Blocking Ingredients

One way desensitizing toothpastes provide relief is through active ingredients that prevent or reduce pain signals. These ingredients like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride work by interfering with the pathways that transmit pain and temperature sensations from the surface of the teeth to the nerves.

Tubule Occluding Ingredients

Another main way desensitizing toothpastes work is by occluding or blocking off the microscopic tubules that lead to the nerves in the teeth. Exposure of these dentinal tubules is often the cause of sensitivity. Ingredients like stannous fluoride, arginine, and hydroxyapatite bind to the openings of the tubules to seal them.

Surface Calcium Phosphate Formation

Some ingredients help reduce sensitivity by forming a protective layer of calcium phosphate on the surface of teeth. This mineral-rich coating acts as a barrier against external stimuli that provoke pain.

What to Look for in a Desensitizing Toothpaste

When evaluating desensitizing toothpastes, there are a few key things to look for:

• Clinically proven active ingredients like potassium nitrate, arginine, stannous fluoride, and nano-hydroxyapatite
• Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA)
• Flavor you enjoy using twice a day
• Low abrasivity to avoid wearing away enamel over time

The 10 Best Desensitizing Toothpastes

Based on clinical evidence, ingredients, taste, and cost, here are the top 10 desensitizing toothpastes:

1. Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste is one of the top choices for fast relief from sensitivity. It combines two well-researched ingredients - potassium nitrate and fluoride.

The potassium nitrate blocks pain signals by calming the nerves in the teeth. It starts working within 3-4 days. The stannous fluoride forms a protective barrier over areas of exposed dentin.

This toothpaste comes in several refreshing flavors like mint, whitening mint, and extra fresh. It's accepted by the ADA and recommended by dentists worldwide.

Key Features

• Clinically proven to relieve tooth sensitivity in 3-4 days
• Contains 5% potassium nitrate and 0.454% stannous fluoride
• Protects exposed dentin and blocks pain signals
• ADA Seal of Acceptance
• Available in several minty flavors

2. Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste harness the power of proven ingredients - potassium nitrate and arginine - to calm sensitive teeth.

Like in Sensodyne, the potassium nitrate blocks pain signals for quick relief. The arginine works by sealing off the dentinal tubules. It also triggers the natural dentin fluid flow to support healthy gum tissue.

This toothpaste is accepted by the ADA and gentle enough to use twice per day. It has a refreshing mint flavor that leaves your breath fresh.

Key Features

• Clinically proven to relieve sensitivity in 2 weeks
• Contains potassium nitrate and arginine
• Seals dentinal tubules and blocks pain signals
• Triggers natural fluid flow for gum health
• ADA Accepted
• Clean, minty flavor

3. Crest Gum & Enamel Repair Toothpaste

Crest Gum & Enamel Repair Toothpaste takes a dual approach to sensitivity relief and oral health. It contains stannous fluoride to block sensitivity. This ingredient also helps strengthen weak spots in enamel.

Added ingredients like polyphosphate help rebuild and strengthen tooth enamel. The sodium hexametaphosphate helps protect against cavities. And the toothpaste helps gums stay healthy and irritation-free.

This toothpaste has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for safety and effectiveness. It has a smooth texture and clean flavor.

Key Features

• Provides daily sensitivity protection
• Stannous fluoride strengthens enamel and blocks sensitivity
• Helps rebuild enamel and protect against cavities
• Promotes healthy gums
• ADA Seal of Acceptance
• Smooth texture, mild flavor

4. Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste takes a mild approach to whitening while relieving sensitivity. It contains a low-abrasion formula to gently lift surface stains without eroding enamel.

The potassium nitrate provides immediate pain relief by calming nerve activity. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. This toothpaste is safe for daily use and has a pleasant minty taste.

Key Features

• Whitens teeth while relieving sensitivity
• Potassium nitrate blocks sensitivity fast
• Gentle on enamel
• Strengthens enamel against cavities
• Low-abrasion formula
• Minty flavor

5. Tom's of Maine Sensitive Toothpaste

Tom's of Maine Sensitive Toothpaste provides natural relief without harsh ingredients. It's made without artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives.

The formula includes 5% potassium nitrate from natural sources to block sensitivity. Natural calcium and silica gently polish away surface stains. Essential oils give it a pleasant fennel flavor.

This toothpaste is accepted by the ADA and safe for twice daily use. It's a great option for people who want an effective natural toothpaste.

Key Features

• All-natural toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Potassium nitrate blocks pain signals
• No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
• Polishes away stains naturally
• Soothing fennel flavor
• ADA Accepted

6. Squigle Sensitive Toothpaste

Squigle Sensitive Toothpaste combines natural ingredients to soothe sensitivity. It contains no harsh abrasives that could damage enamel over time.

Natural calcium carbonate and silica gently polish and remove stains. Xylitol helps neutralize plaque acid. Aloe vera, coconut oil, and essential oils soothe irritated gums.

This toothpaste has never

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.