Frequently Asked Questions

Tooth Sensitivity

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, can develop over time as a result of enamel wear and/or receding gums and can occur when the softer, inner part of the tooth called “dentin" becomes exposed. Thousands of microscopic channels run through the dentin toward the center of the tooth, where the nerves lie. Once the dentin is exposed, certain triggers (such as a cold or hot drink) can stimulate the nerves, resulting in that characteristic short, sharp jolt of tooth sensitivity pain.

Once dentin is exposed, there is no going back, but you can easily get sensitivity protection by brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste twice a day, everyday.
What causes sensitive teeth to hurt?
That sharp shock, jolt, or even minor twinge of pain you feel may be caused by these common triggers below:

Cold foods or drinks

Breathing in cold air

Hot foods or drinks

Sugary foods

Sour foods

Brushing your teeth

Learn more about the symptoms of sensitivity and what can cause it.
Are sensitive teeth common?

Yes. As many as 1 in 3 people may experience dentin hypersensitivity/tooth sensitivity.¹
Can overbrushing cause sensitive teeth?

Yes, brushing too hard or too frequently can contribute to gum recession and/or enamel wear, which, over time, can expose the soft, inner layer of your tooth, known as dentin, and can lead to sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Are sensitive teeth a sign of a more serious dental problem?

There are many different causes of tooth pain other than tooth sensitivity. For example, a cracked tooth or a cavity (tooth decay). If you are feeling any tooth pain or discomfort, the best thing you can do is visit your dentist and seek professional advice.
What can I do to help my sensitive teeth?

Switching to a daily sensitivity toothpaste, like Sensodyne, can protect against the symptoms of sensitivity when used twice a day, every day. Sensodyne is specially formulated for tooth sensitivity relief and is the No.1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth.

In addition, talk to your dentist about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your dentist can confirm whether or not tooth sensitivity is the cause of your tooth pain and then advise you on how to best care for sensitive teeth.
What is the No.1 dentist recommended toothpaste for sensitive teeth?

Sensodyne is the No.1 dentist recommended toothpaste for sensitive teeth—9 out of 10 dentists recommend it for patients with sensitive teeth. Learn more about Sensodyne.

How Sensodyne Works

How long does Sensodyne toothpaste take to work?

Sensodyne Rapid Relief can relieve sensitivity in as little as 60 seconds. It’s important to continue brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste twice a day, every day, for lasting tooth sensitivity relief. However, if pain/sensitivity still persists visit your dentist as your sensitive teeth may indicate a different problem. To maintain sensitivity relief, continue to use Sensodyne twice a day as your daily toothpaste.
How often should I use Sensodyne toothpaste?

Use Sensodyne as your daily toothpaste, brushing twice a day, every day, for lasting tooth sensitivity relief. With Sensodyne, you can also get the benefits of fluoride, cavity protection, and fresher breath to help you maintain healthy and sensitivity-free teeth.

Learn more about the ingredients in Sensodyne and how they work to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Will my teeth become sensitive again if I stop using Sensodyne?

If you stop brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste, your sensitivity can return, so it is best to make Sensodyne your daily toothpaste to get long-lasting relief. Sensodyne toothpastes can also provide the benefits of fluoride, cavity protection, fresher breath, and other benefits.

Learn more about all the Sensodyne toothpastes.
Does Sensodyne toothpaste help prevent cavities?

Yes. All Sensodyne toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps to protect against cavities when you brush twice a day.
Can I use Sensodyne toothpaste every day?

Yes. Sensodyne is a daily toothpaste specially formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity* and is the No.1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth. Use it every day to help relieve tooth sensitivity and to also help prevent it from returning.

*With twice daily brushing

Sensodyne Ingredients

What are the active ingredients in Sensodyne toothpastes?

Sensodyne toothpaste contains stannous fluoride or Calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin) or potassium nitrate as anti-sensitivity agents that work by either creating a barrier over sensitive areas or by soothing the nerves inside your tooth.

Sensodyne products contain fluoride, which helps fight against cavities, so you can maintain healthy teeth, every day.

Learn more about all the Sensodyne toothpastes.
Does Sensodyne toothpaste have fluoride?

All Sensodyne toothpastes contain fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that enters mineralized tissue, such as bone and teeth. It hardens tooth enamel, protecting against tooth decay (cavities), so you can maintain healthy teeth every day.

Learn more about the ingredients in Sensodyne and how they work to reduce tooth sensitivity.
What is stannous fluoride and how is it used in Sensodyne toothpaste?

Stannous fluoride is a type of fluoride that builds a robust layer over the exposed, softer than enamel, inner part of your tooth called dentin, acting like a shield for your sensitive teeth. This layer helps prevent triggers, like hot and cold liquids, from causing pain.

Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum, Sensodyne Complete Protection and Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpastes all contain stannous fluoride.
What is NovaMin and how is it used in Sensodyne toothpaste?

NovaMin (Calcium sodium phosphosilicate) helps to build a robust layer over the exposed, softer than enamel, inner part of your tooth called dentin, acting like a shield for your sensitive teeth. This layer helps prevent triggers, like hot and cold liquids, from causing pain. Sensodyne Repair and Protect toothpastes all contain NovaMin.
What is potassium nitrate and how is it used in Sensodyne toothpaste?

Potassium nitrate is a mineral that helps soothe the nerves inside your teeth, preventing triggers, like a burst of cold air or hot coffee, from causing sensitivity pain.

Sensodyne Essential Care toothpastes all contain potassium nitrate.
Does Sensodyne toothpaste contain triclosan?

Sensodyne toothpastes do not contain triclosan.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste gluten free?

Sensodyne products do not contain gluten as an ingredient. However, we cannot exclude the presence of trace amounts of gluten in these products as a result of third-party manufacturing processes because Haleon Consumer Healthcare has not tested every batch of the final products for gluten.
Are Sensodyne toothpastes kosher?

Haleon Consumer Healthcare only uses high-quality ingredients in its products. Following a review of the product formulations and supplier documentation, we have not received confirmation from all our suppliers that all individual ingredients are certified as halal and/or kosher. As a result, we have not formally confirmed or labeled the finished products as halal or kosher. Prior to using a product, we recommend you always check the list of ingredients printed on the pack and follow the label instructions.

Sensodyne Products

Does Sensodyne toothpaste come in different varieties?
Sensodyne toothpaste comes in many different variations to meet individual needs and preferences. All of our toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps to protect teeth from cavities.

Sensodyne Brilliant Whitening

Sensodyne Fresh Mint

Sensodyne Multi-Action Whitening

Sensodyne Deep Clean

Sensodyne Whitening & Tartar

Sensodyne Ultra Fresh

Sensodyne Rapid Relief (also available in Rapid Relief Extra Fresh and Rapid Relief Whitening)

Sensodyne Repair and Protect (also available in Repair and Protect Extra Fresh and Repair and Protect Whitening)

Sensodyne Complete Protection (also available in Complete protection Extra Fresh)

Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum (also available in Sensitivity & Gum Whitening)
How does Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste work?

Sensodyne Rapid Relief has a unique formula that actively targets sensitive areas of your teeth. It acts to build a protective barrier over sensitive areas of your teeth, helping to protect you from pain.
Is Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste right for me?

If you want to relieve sensitivity pain fast, Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste provides clinically proven sensitivity relief in 60 seconds.

Sensodyne Rapid Relief is also available in Extra Fresh and Whitening variants.
How often should I use Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste?

Use Sensodyne Rapid Relief (or any Sensodyne toothpaste) as your daily toothpaste, brushing twice a day, for lasting sensitivity relief—along with the benefits of fluoride, cavity protection, and fresher breath—so you can maintain healthy teeth.
Is Sensodyne an abrasive toothpaste?

All Sensodyne toothpastes comply with the guidelines for daily-use toothpastes.
Is Sensodyne toothpaste available in a travel-sized tube?

Sensodyne Whitening plus Tartar fighting is available in a travel size at major retail outlets, in-store, and online.
Can kids use Sensodyne toothpaste?

Sensodyne toothpaste is not recommended for use by children under the age of 12. Sensitivity is rarely a problem in children. Check with your child's dentist for appropriate advice and recommendation.

Sensodyne and Whitening

Does Sensodyne toothpaste whiten teeth?
Yes. Sensodyne whitening toothpastes include:

Sensodyne Brilliant Whitening

Sensodyne Repair and Protect Whitening

Sensodyne Complete Protection (also available in Complete Protection Extra Fresh)

Sensodyne Deep Clean

Sensodyne Multi-Action Whitening
Is Sensodyne toothpaste safe to use after professional tooth-whitening treatments?

Tooth sensitivity symptoms can occur during and after professional whitening treatments, these are commonly due to the tooth nerve becoming inflamed. Please ask your dentist for advice and treatment.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?

This may depend on the type of professional whitening treatment, and any pre-existing condition. Please ask your dentist for advice.

[1] Addy, M. (2002) 'Dentine hypersensitivity: new perspectives on an old problem', International Dental Journal, 52(S5P2), pp. 367-375.