A few years ago, I started to notice that biting into hot foods sent a chill down my spine, and even drinking ice-cold beverages was almost unbearable — all due to what I could only imagine was the result of sensitive teeth. I had every intention of writing off my tooth sensitivity as just normal wear and tear, but after corresponding with Dr. Michael Wei, DDS, a New York City-based cosmetic dentist and practice owner, it’s actually something crucial to be addressed.
“Tooth sensitivity can indicate underlying dental issues such as cavities, gum recession, enamel erosion, or other oral health problems,” Wei said. “If left untreated, these issues can lead to more serious dental problems, including tooth decay, infection, and even tooth loss.”
It’s also a common issue, according to Wei, that happens when dentin, the inner layer of the tooth, is exposed. Dentin is normally protected by enamel or cementum, a layer under the gum line that protects the tooth root and can be exposed by gum recession.
Wei, along with other dental health experts that we consulted, said that maintaining a good oral hygiene routine — one that involves brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with an interdental cleaner daily — is key to good oral health. And to find the specific products that they suggest especially for sensitive teeth, read ahead.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
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Extra-soft and densely packed bristled toothbrushes
“Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent further enamel wear and reduce sensitivity,” Wei said. He suggests brushing gently to prevent further aggravating sensitive teeth or potential gum recession.
This economy six-pack of toothbrushes that we found on Amazon has 12,000+ ratings, and the toothbrushes are intentionally designed to thoroughly clean teeth, without being overly abrasive. They have over 20,000 BPA-free and ultra-fine bristles that are densely packed into the brush face.
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A trusted pro-enamel toothpaste featuring potassium nitrate
Cosmetic dentist Dr. James Heaton said that if your sensitivity is mild to moderate, a good place to start is with desensitizing toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate, like this popular enamel-building formula by Sensodyne, which Heaton called a “solid option.”
According to Dr. Ruchi Sahota, consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association, these types of toothpastes “contain compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve and usually require several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.”
This Sensodyne toothpaste — which has 57,000+ ratings and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon — claims to “inhibit demineralization, repair microdamage and rebuild enamel strength,” according to the brand.
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An active prevention toothpaste featuring stannous fluoride
Both Heaton and Wei said to look for toothpastes containing stannous fluoride, an ingredient that can “help block the tubules in the dentin (the layer underneath the enamel) that lead to the nerves of the tooth,” according to Wei.
Based on this suggestion, we selected Colgate’s Total Active Protection toothpaste, a deep clean formula that not only features stannous fluoride as its main active, but also promises 24 hours’ worth of antibacterial protection to prevent cavities, bad breath and more common oral health concerns.
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A sensitive tooth and gum toothpaste
Another toothpaste option suggested by Heaton is the Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Gum formula. This unflavored paste also contains stannous fluoride and works by creating a shield of protection around the tooth that fends off sensitizing foods and liquids, while also fighting off harmful oxidants that may be damaging to the gums and may even be able to help reverse gingivitis.
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An alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash
“Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity,” Wei said. “Some mouthwashes containing alcohol can irritate sensitive teeth and gums, [so] opt for alcohol-free mouthwashes that are gentler on your oral tissues.”
Sahota also underscored the significance of fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that helps in preventing tooth decay by strengthening your enamel, making it more resistant to cavities.
The Listerine Total Care mouthwash (which we selected) is an alcohol-free formula in a mild, yet refreshing mint flavor and powered by fluoride. The brand claims it provides 50% greater strengthening of weakened enamel than just brushing alone.
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A hydroxyapatite oral rinse with remineralization properties
Dr. Brandi Hair, a dentist and spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, mentioned hydroxyapatite as a key ingredient to look for if you have sensitive teeth. We’ve previously been told by dentists in prior dental health coverage that very preliminary studies suggest that hydroxyapatite may be as effective as fluoride toothpaste in strengthening the enamel.
Based on this, we selected the Carifree anti-cavity maintenance rinse, a mouthwash that has actually been recommended to us before by New York City-based dentist Dr. Inna Chern, who said she uses it in her own practice.
“[It] balances pH, helps dry mouth and aids in balancing bacterial load/aiding in gingivitis prevention,” she previously said. The rinse improves tooth sensitivity, is alcohol-free and contains xylitol to help with tooth remineralization and reduce plaque buildup. You can get it in three flavor options, and it’s worth noting that it also features fluoride, which is difficult to find in formulations that use hydroxyapatite as its active ingredient.
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A xylitol sugar-free chewing gum
According to Wei, sugar-free gum containing xylitol can help stimulate saliva production, which can help remineralize enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Using this information, we chose to include this dental defense chewing gum that’s both sugar- and aspartame-free, but contains xylitol, a sweetening alternative that may prevent certain odor-causing bacteria from developing in the mouth and strengthen tooth enamel. You can find this Spry gum in several flavors like cinnamon, green tea, spearmint and fruit.
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A pack of four customizable mouth guards
According to Heaton, grinding your teeth can wear down enamel quickly and cause sensitivity. If you’re someone who grinds their teeth at night, he suggests asking your dentist about a custom night guard. However, if you’re interested in an over-the-counter option, Plackers Grind No More Night Guard comes with 16 disposable guards for up to 48 uses.
HuffPost spoke to dentists about the best OTC mouth guards, and Plackers was recommended by two professionals.
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A whitening hydroxyapatite that doesn’t contain fluoride
Several of the dentists that we spoke to for this story mentioned that teeth whitening can cause and exacerbate tooth sensitivity, so we decided to include this Boka whitening toothpaste that features enamel-mimicking hydroxyapatite and hydrated silica and sodium bicarbonate to gently buff away stains. And even though fluoride is a safe and effective ingredient to have in toothpastes and mouthwashes, the Boka toothpaste uses the hydroxyapatite instead of fluoride, in case you want a fluoride-free option.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
He said daily habits and other factors are likely the cause of enamel erosion, such as consuming highly acidic and corrosive foods or beverages, using abrasive toothpaste and excessive whitening treatments, or consuming things at extreme temperatures.
What Should You Do If You Have Sensitive Teeth?
“For people experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are several over-the-counter products that can help alleviate symptoms,” Wei said – but not before reminding us that it’s important to consult with a dental professional to determine the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity and to receive appropriate treatment, especially if you’re experiencing persistent pain.