When it comes to mouthwashes for sensitive teeth, there aren’t many options around.
But in this article I include my advice as a dentist to help you figure out if you could benefit from a mouthwash, based on the ingredients.
I also give some product recommendations.
If you don’t specifically need a sensitive mouthwash, you may find our more general post on the best mouthwashes helpful.
Key recommendations when using a mouthwash for sensitive teeth
- Get fluoride in there if you can – more fluoride is always a good thing for protection against cavities.
- Use mouthwash for sensitive teeth and gums in addition to your normal cleaning routine – you still need to brush your teeth!
- Use at a separate time of day to brushing, otherwise you are diluting the effect of your toothpaste.
- Use in addition to a sensitivity toothpaste for maximum protection against dentin sensitivity.
Therapeutic Sensitivity Mouthwashes
These are mouthwashes that contain active ingredients to help treat and manage tooth sensitivity. Ingredients you may find in a therapeutic mouthwash include:
- Arginine
- Dipotassium Oxalate Monohydrate
- Potassium Nitrate
- Stannous Fluoride.
These ingredients work either by blocking the exposed dentin tubules or by dulling the nerves which carry the pain message.
Gentle Mouthwashes
Given that there are few sensitivity options available, you may be interested in using a mouthwash, but wanting to know what you can use which won’t cause further irritation and sensitivity. My advice would be:
- Avoid alcohol containing mouthwashes. Alcohol can cause a burning sensation.
- Avoid SLS, which again has been linked to irritation in the mouth.
- Choose a non-mint or unflavoured mouthwash, as mint can sometimes enhance the sensitivity feeling.
Other mouthwashes
Other mouthwashes may help to reverse or prevent sensitivity by targeting the cause of your sensitivity. For example, if tooth wear caused by acid erosion is causing your sensitivity, pick something that will help remineralise and strengthen the enamel. Ingredients for remineralisation include fluoride (any type) and calcium phosphates.
Whilst not specifically treating sensitivity, these can prevent further problems developing.
Best mouthwash for sensitive teeth: a few options to consider
Below are some good options to consider if you’re looking for a sensitivity mouthwash.
I also include my own comments on each product, what to use it for, and what the active ingredient is.
Sensodyne Cool Mint Sensitive Care Mouthwash
Active Ingredient: Potassium Nitrate
Use it for: treating sensitivity by stopping the nerves sending messages
Pros
- Mouthwash reaches area toothbrush can’t
- Widely available in stores and online
- Active ingredient prevents pain messages
- Alcohol free
- Mild Flavour
- Contains fluoride which also helps protect against tooth decay
- SLS free
Cons
- No information on animal testing
Where to buy
Price Comparison
- 500ml bottle
- Approx. £3 / bottle
I have selected Sensodyne Cool Mint Sensitive Care Mouthwash as the Best Therapeutic Mouthwash with Potassium Nitrate.
Potassium Nitrate doesn’t resolve the sensitivity in the way that other ingredients do. Rather than blocking the exposed tubules, the cause of the sensitivity, this stops the pain messages being sent to the brain by dulling the nerves. This may be useful in addition to other ingredients that block the tubules (which you could use in toothpaste form).
Whilst quite a few mouthwashes contain potassium nitrate, this particular one has a bigger bottle than the Sensodyne Pronamel Daily Care, but with the same active ingredients and also a better price!
Listerine Advanced Defence Sensitive Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Active Ingredient: Dipotassium Oxalate Monohydrate
Use it for: treating sensitivity by blocking the tubules
Pros
- Mouthwash reaches area toothbrush can’t
- Widely available in stores and online
- Active ingredient actually blocks tubules and treats sensitivity
- Alcohol free
- Mild Flavour
- Contains fluoride which also helps protect against tooth decay
Cons
- Contains SLS
- No information on animal testing
Where to buy
Price Comparison
- 500ml bottle
- Approx. £5 / bottle
I’ve picked Listerine Advanced Defence Sensitive Alcohol-Free Mouthwash as the best mouthwash for sensitive teeth, as it actually treats one of the main causes of sensitivity.
Dipotassium Oxalate Monohydrate works by blocking the tubules (no matter how the dentin tubules were exposed). This prevents hot, cold, touch, whatever your causing factor, from irritating the nerve.
The added fluoride also has a benefit as it helps to remineralise the tooth tissue too. As with all mouthwashes, make sure you use it at a separate time of day to brushing so that you don’t rinse off the fluoride in your toothpaste (and lose the anti-cavity effect of it!). You will need to rinse with about 10ml for 60 seconds twice daily to get full effect. And it could take some time (up to a couple of weeks) to notice the full effect too.
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief mouthwash
Active Ingredient: Arginine
Use it for: treating sensitivity by blocking the tubules
Pros
- Mouthwash reaches area toothbrush can’t
- Active ingredient actually blocks tubules and treats sensitivity
- Alcohol Free
- Soft mint flavour
- Contains fluoride which also helps protect against tooth decay
Cons
- No information on animal testing
- Can be hard to find
I have selected Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Mouthwash as the Best Therapeutic Mouthwash with Arginine, mostly because it seems to be the only one available!
Studies have shown arginine containing mouthwashes to be the most effective compared to potassium only and fluoride only mouthwashes, so this should be your go to if all else has failed.
The only problem seems to be availability, with many places currently sold out, you may need to try a pharmacy to get hold of this stuff!
Biomed Sensitive Mouthwash
Active Ingredient: Dipotassium Oxalate Monohydrate (Dipotassium oxalate)
Use it for: treating sensitivity by blocking the tubules
Pros
- Mouthwash reaches area toothbrush can’t
- Active ingredient actually blocks tubules and treats sensitivity
- Alcohol free
- Mild Flavour
- Contains fluoride which also helps protect against tooth decay
- 98% natural ingredients
- SLS free
Cons
- Not vegan
- No fluoride*
- Available in select places online and in some pharmacies
Where to buy
Price Comparison
- 500ml bottle
- £4 per bottle
Biomed Sensitive mouthwash is my recommendation for a best fluoride free mouthwash for sensitive teeth, as well as being a great natural mouthwash.
The active ingredient works by reversing the cause of sensitivity – open dentinal tubules. For as long as you continue to use the mouthwash, you will feel the positive effects of this.
*It doesn’t contain fluoride, so I would recommend you do use this alongside a remineralising toothpaste – be that fluoride, or an alternative option, as I explain in my article on fluoride vs fluoride free toothpaste.
If you continue to use a fluoride containing toothpaste, make sure you use this mouthwash at a separate time of day to brushing to ensure you get the full remineralising effect of your toothpaste.
Best unflavoured mouthwash for sensitive teeth:
UltraDEX Daily Oral Rinse, Original
Active Ingredient: fluoride
Use it for: a gentle mouthwash if you have sensitive teeth, avoiding further irritation.
Pros
- Mouthwash reaches area toothbrush can’t
- Widely available in stores and online
- Active ingredient, fluoride helps remineralise the tooth surface
- Alcohol free
- Unflavoured, although you can add mint
- Vegan
- Sodium Bicarbonate helps lift stains
- SLS free
Cons
- Relatively expensive
This fluoride containing mouthwash is unflavoured, but comes with a separate flavouring sachet so that you can add however much flavour you want. This is useful if you find normal mouthwashes too strong and get a burning sensation with mint.
Although I have recommended this as a mouthwash, there is no real benefit to using specifically for sensitive teeth. Although the fluoride will help with enamel remineralisation and provide an element of protection against decay.
What causes tooth sensitivity and how can I avoid it?
Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp pain from the tooth in response to a change in temperature, sweet/spicy foods, or even sometimes touch.
Ultimately, tooth sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin tubules (as the nerves that sense pain lie within these parts of the tooth). A change in hot/cold/pH etc causes movement of the nerve within the tubule which causes a pain signal to be sent to your brain.
The underlying cause of sensitivity is whatever caused the dentin tubules to become exposed, and includes:
- Gum recession due to gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease).
- Over-brushing causing gum recession and which also wears away the enamel.
- Grinding habits which wear away the enamel layer.
- Dental treatment including tooth whitening, professional cleaning and fillings.
In real life, most people experience some sort of sensitivity at some point, but if this is new and it carries on for over a week, or suddenly gets a lot worse, make sure you get it checked by a dental professional.
Just be aware that because sensitivity can be caused by several different reasons, only treating tooth sensitivity (without knowing what is causing it) can lead to further damage down the line (e.g. untreated decay which could develop into a painful abscess).
Key tips for avoiding sensitivity
- Gum health is key. Avoid gum disease to avoid gum recession. Brush twice daily and use some form of interdental cleaning every day.
- Avoid over brushing by using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor.
- Minimise tooth wear by avoiding acidic foods and drinks.
- Use a specialised sensitivity toothpaste to manage any symptoms you may have.
When to start using a specialist sensitive mouthwash
Sensitive mouthwashes should be used in addition to good oral hygiene habits.
If sensitivity is affecting your everyday life, and leading to you avoiding things you enjoy, you should start changing your oral care regime to include products that will help with sensitivity.
Sensitive mouthwashes can be used in addition to a good sensitive toothpaste, one that works for you. There are more options for toothpaste so it may be worth starting by finding a sensitive toothpaste that works for you. This can be a bit of trial and error, but you can use our recommendations to get you started.
Types of sensitive mouthwashes available include:
- Therapeutic mouthwashes – those which include a specific anti-sensitivity ingredient.
- Gentle mouthwashes – to avoid further irritation of teeth or gums (but which don’t actually treat sensitivity themselves).
How to use a mouthwash for sensitive teeth
Generally, you should use mouthwash at a different time to brushing. This way you will get the greatest effect of the fluoride and the therapeutic ingredient.
If you use mouthwash too soon after brushing, you simply wash off the toothpaste you have used. As toothpaste normally contains a higher dose of fluoride, it is better to keep using your toothpaste for protection of cavities.
Use a mouthwash at least half an hour before or after brushing. Key times might be after your lunch (when you may not otherwise brush) or directly before bed (if this is later than brushing your teeth).
You may also get more benefit from your sensitive mouthwash if you use it before having acidic food or drink.
- Rinse the recommended dose of mouthwash (usually about 20ml is all that is needed) around your mouth for about a minute.
- Spit into the sink.
- Do not rinse with water afterwards.
About ingredients used in sensitive mouthwashes
Arginine
Arginine is used to treat sensitivity by blocking the exposed dentin tubules (where the nerves are exposed). Despite evidence showing that arginine is effective in mouthwash form, there are yet to be any mouthwashes containing the ingredient on the US market (although you may be able to import from abroad).
Calcium and potassium ions
Help with the remineralisation of the tooth surface. Demineralised enamel is more prone to tooth wear, and can increase the number of exposed dentine tubules, making symptoms of sensiitvity worse.
Dipotassium Oxalate Monohydrate
Potassium oxalates are believed to block the tubules, preventing sensitivity. Patients report improvement in symptoms, however there is conflicting evidence about how good the ingredient actually is.
Potassium Citrate
Desensitises the nerves which are irritated on exposure to hot, cold, eating, or brushing. Works in a similar way to potassium nitrate.
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate prevents sensitivity by preventing the nerve from passing on the pain message from the tooth to the brain. It is a nerve calming agent.
Evidence has shown it to be equally effective in mouthwashes as in toothpastes, although at present there are few mouthwashes available with this ingredient.
FAQ
Is mouthwash bad for sensitive teeth?
No, mouthwash is not bad for sensitive teeth. However if you use a mouthwash too soon after using a toothpaste you will rinse the toothpaste off before it takes effect. This may mean you don’t feel the benefit of a sensitive toothpaste if using a mouthwash straight after.
Does mouthwash for sensitive teeth work?
Yes, toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth do work if they contain one of the active ingredients. Unfortunately there are few mouthwashes on the US market that contain ingredients that are therapeutic for sensitivity.
Are there any other products that could help with sensitivity?
You could consider a sensitive toothpaste (many of which contain active ingredients to fight sensitivity) or a prescription product from your dentist to help fight sensitivity.
