Top 4 Best Sensitivity Toothpaste Review 2023
Dentist Tested and Reviewed | Time to Read: 9 mins
By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: April 6, 2023
Anyone who has suffered from sensitive teeth understands that it can be a real pain in the neck. As a result, you often avoid foods and beverages that can unexpectedly send you to the roof.
Fortunately, many toothpaste address sensitivity relief using various active ingredients, including stannous fluoride 0.45% and potassium nitrate 5%. These minerals seek to soothe irritated nerves while laying down a protective barrier to prevent further pain response. Many consider Sensodyne the premier product for tooth sensitivity; however, many other brands offer similar results. We’ll take a closer look at how these products compare so you can be better prepared the next time you find yourself with sensitive teeth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
- Vigorous brushing
- Gum recession
- Acid erosion
- Using hard bristle toothbrush
- Smoking
- Gum disease
- Genetics
Often, people find themselves desiring whiter teeth but don’t want to deal with tooth sensitivity, a common side effect. Sensitivity occurs when the stain is removed from the enamel surface; it leaves the area more porous and susceptible to fluid dynamic changes within the dentin. The dentin consists of tubes that elicit a pain response when fluid flows over them. Higher pain responses depend on liquid temperature, nerve hypersensitivity, and dentin accessibility.
The most common area for tooth sensitivity is along the gum line due to gum recession. Gum recession occurs from vigorous brushing, genetics, or periodontal disease. The exposed site contains minimal enamel coverage to protect against unwanted sensitivity.
Let’s take a closer look at the Top 4 Best Sensitivity Toothpaste, from a dentists perspective.
Related: Best Toothbrush for Sensitive Teeth Review 2023
Tested and Reviewed
- Best Overall: Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste
- Best Whitening: Colgate Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste
- Best Gum Care: Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity Toothpaste
- Best Complete Care: Crest Plus Premium Sensitive Toothpaste
Evaluation Criteria
We highlight each product’s unique, advertised benefits, identify their pros and cons and score each one from 1 to 5 based on four categories. The toothpaste with the highest score is crowned the overall champion; however, we’ll also give suggested patient benefits for each product. Prices listed are subject to change and discussed in each review, however they were not considered within the scoring criteria.
- Effectiveness: Does the toothpaste treat the advertised need? How effective were the results?
- Comfort: Was the toothpaste comfortable? Was there any burning, stinging or uncomfortable sensation?
- Taste: How was the overall taste? Was it refreshing? Did it alter your sense of taste?
- Likeability: Likeability: Is the toothpaste likeable and enjoyable to use?
Related Reviews
- Best Sensodyne Toothpaste Review 2023
- Best Gum Care Toothpaste Review 2023
- Best Electric Toothbrush Under $50 2023
- Best At-Home Teeth Whitening Review 2023
1. Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste
Sensodyne toothpaste is formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity and is “the number one dentist-recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth.” It creates a barrier over sensitive areas and soothes the nerves inside your tooth, ultimately offering long-lasting sensitivity protection when you brush with it twice a day. Sensodyne Rapid Relief seeks to eliminate tooth sensitivity in three days.
Dentist Review
Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste is the most effective toothpaste at providing fast sensitivity relief. It features gentle whitening benefits with moderate foaming action. The flavor is well-balanced with a sweet mint taste. Overall, it offers effective relief and a slight cooling effect after rinsing.
Highlights
- Stannous fluoride 0.45%
- Fast relief toothpaste
- Significant pain relief in 3 days
- Prevents tooth decay
- Protects against painful sensitivity
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Total: 19/20
Best fast pain relief sensitivity toothpaste.
2. Colgate Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate seeks to develop products that promote healthy smiles. They’ve been in the oral health care industry for over 145 years and offer a range of oral care products. Sustainability is also important to them as they recently created a first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube.
Lastly, they strive to be an accessible company that offers many educational resources to the public and dental professionals. Colgate Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste seeks to relieve tooth sensitivity and gently whiten teeth using active ingredients sodium fluoride 0.24% and potassium nitrate 5%.
Dentist Review
Colgate Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste features a strong mint flavor without the harsh or bitter aftertaste. It provided a refreshing taste that was more subtle compared to other products. Foaming during brushing was moderate but effective at whitening and provided lasting sensitivity relief. The texture was smooth and comfortable to use along exposed enamel surfaces.
Highlights
- Sodium fluoride 0.24%
- Potassium nitrate 5%
- Fresh mint flavor
- Anticavity toothpaste
- Relieves sensitivity and whitens
- Superior stain removal
- Maximum strength
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Total: 17/20
Best whitening effectiveness with sensitivity relief.
3. Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity Toothpaste
Crest is a leader in the oral healthcare community, combining years of research with product development. Crest Whitestrips is their most desired product; however, they’re also known for their innovative toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity is clinically proven for healthier gums and is backed by the American Dental Association Accepted Seal of Acceptance for efficacy. Stannous fluoride 0.45% is the active ingredient to neutralize plaque bacteria, even around the gum line.
Dentist Review
Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity Relief has a delightful, cooling mint flavor that lasts many hours after brushing. The texture was smooth and comfortable on sensitive teeth and gums. Also, the ADA Seal of Acceptance is a great accomplishment and certification for a quality product. It provided effective sensitivity relief and aided the elimination of plaque bacteria.
Highlights
- Stannous fluoride 0.45%
- ADA Accepted
- Refreshing sensitivity relief
- Clinically proven healthier gums
- Anticavity and antigingivitis toothpaste
- Gentle whitening
Results
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Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Total: 19/20
Best sensitivity relief with antigingivitis properties.
4. Crest Plus Premium Sensitive Toothpaste
Crest Plus Premium Sensitive Toothpaste features different active ingredients than Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity Toothpaste. It also contains active foam whitening to fight off stains without leading to undesirable sensitivity side effects.
Dentist Review
Crest Plus Premium Sensitive Toothpaste features quality sensitivity relief with comfortable texture on exposed enamel surfaces and gum tissue. The soothing mint flavor was gentle and sweet. Also, it provided a long-lasting fresh breath; however, the toothpaste slightly altered the taste after use. This toothpaste fights cavities with its sodium fluoride 0.24% active ingredient and lays down a protective barrier with potassium nitrate 5%.
Highlights
- Sodium fluoride 0.24%
- Potassium nitrate 5%
- Active foam + whitening
- Soothing mint flavor
- Fights cavities
- Removes surface stains
- Maximum strength sensitivity relief
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Total: 18/20
Best sensitivity relief with soothing mint flavor.
Overall Champion: Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste*
Sensodyne toothpaste is formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity and is “the number one dentist-recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth.” It creates a barrier over sensitive areas and soothes the nerves inside your tooth, ultimately offering long-lasting sensitivity protection when you brush with it twice a day. Sensodyne Rapid Relief seeks to eliminate tooth sensitivity in three days.
Final Thoughts
Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste and Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity Toothpaste achieved high scores because of their effective sensitivity relief, comfortable texture, quality flavor, and lasting fresh breath. Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste edged out Crest Pro-Health because of the fast pain relief within three days. No other product achieved this level of comfort in such a short period. However, Crest Pro-Health was more flavorful and provided longer-lasting fresh breath. Crest Plus Premium Sensitive Toothpaste rounded out the top 3 and featured quality sensitivity relief with gentle whitening properties. Also, the active foaming helped cover all mouth areas for adequate cleaning.
Final Rankings
- Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste 19/20
- Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity Toothpaste 19/20
- Crest Plus Premium Sensitive Toothpaste 18/20
- Colgate Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste 17/20
* My Dental Advocate product reviews are based on individual experience and your results with the products may vary.
The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!