Skip to main content
Colgate Pro Argin

What is the Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth?

Desensitizing Toothpaste Tips

  • Don’t rinse after brushing for at least 30 minutes. Pro-Argin Sensitive Pro-ReliefThese toothpastes need time to work like they should. By spitting thoroughly instead of rinsing your mouth with water after brushing, you’ll allow the thin coating of toothpaste remaining on your teeth to get to work providing the relief it is designed give you. 
  • Start experimenting with Calcium Based Desensitizing products first. Not all these toothpastes work best for everyone, and it is best to try out different types. Since the Calcium Based Desensitizing Toothpastes are designed for more immediate relief, it is best to try them first. I prefer beginning with Colgate’s Pro-Argin Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste based on the available literature. Make sure you don’t forget out tips regarding your diet for sensitive teeth, and oral hygiene tricks for sensitive teeth.

Potassium Desensitizing Toothpastes

How They Work:

  • High concentrations of potassium ions depolarize nerve endings in the pores of exposed dentin, and keep them from sending pain signals. 

Potassium Nitrate Toothpastes
Pros:

  • Can work in spite of acid erosion and abrasive events during the day, which open pores on exposed dentin causing tooth sensitivity.

Cons:

  • Can take up to 2-4 weeks for maximal effect, so stick with it.

Brands:

  • Sensodyne and the vast majority of desensitizing toothpastes you’ll find on the market.

Calcium Based Desensitizing Toothpastes

Pro-Argin Technology
How It Works:

  • Specific ratios of arginine and calcium in the toothpaste are designed to mimic the natural remineralizing properties of saliva and protect sensitive nerve endings by plugging open pores in exposed dentin with calcium phosphate. This is what I recommend.

Pros:

  • Relief is more instantaneous. 
  • Emulates the body’s natural processes.
  • Can be rubbed on with your finger to sensitive teeth.

Cons:

  • Acid erosion and abrasive events during the day can reopen pores.

Brands:

  • Colgate Pro-Argin Sensitive Pro-Relief (currently in the process of FDA approval) – hard to find in the US because 
  • Elmex Sensitive Professional Toothpaste (owned by Colgate)

How to Buy:

  • If you live in the US, Pro-Argin toothpastes can be hard to find. Although you can purchase Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief with Pro-Argin from Canada, the US version has the exact same label with different ingredients, which makes it confusing to purchase. All the same ingredients are present in Elmex Sensitive Professional toothpaste (not in other formulations of Elmex), and you can find this toothpaste online without all the confusion. Until the FDA approval process is completed, buying Elmex Sensitive Professional online is the best way to get Pro-Argin toothpaste if you live in the US.

Casein Phosphopeptide – Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP)
How It Works:

  • Using a milk protein with calcium ions combined as Casein Phosphopeptide – Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) they help protect sensitive nerve endings by plugging open pores in exposed dentin with calcium phosphate. 

Pros:

  • Product is designed to provide more immediate results, and has a degree of substantivity (stickiness to teeth) because of milk proteins in the formulation.
  • Can be rubbed on with your finger to sensitive teeth.

Cons:

  • Acid erosion and abrasive events during the day can reopen pores.

Brands:

  • MI Paste and MI Paste Plus (with Fluoride)

Other Remineralizing Toothpastes
How They Work:

  • These products are designed to help remineralize teeth and can also help protect sensitive nerve endings by plugging open pores in exposed dentin with calcium phosphate. 

Brands:

  • Toothpaste products containing NovaMin (Dr. Collin’s Restore, etc.)
  • HA Nano Gel from Cariefree (HA=hydroxyapatite)
  • Others

Scott Frey

Scott Frey is a renowned Orthodontist, professional speaker, and founder of the More than Smiles Movement.