We compared two 75ml toothpastes for sensitive teeth: Sensodyne Rapid Relief Original Mint and Colgate Sensitive Instant Relief Repair + Enamel Strength.
What we looked at
Stated relief claims, listed ingredients and technology, flavour, size, and price including price per 100ml. All claims are the listings' own; none were tested here, and anyone with ongoing sensitivity should ask a dentist.
The verdict
If you want the brand whose listing calls it the No.1 dentist-recommended brand for sensitive teeth, with stated instant relief and staining prevention, Sensodyne Rapid Relief is the well-known pick, at £3.47 (about £4.63 per 100ml). If you would rather pay 49p less, about £3.97 per 100ml, for a toothpaste with a listed 8% arginine, 1450 ppm fluoride and a calcium protective layer, Colgate Sensitive Instant Relief is the value option, at £2.98.
A £3.47 mint toothpaste with stated instant relief and a stain-prevention claim.
A £2.98 mint toothpaste with listed 8% arginine and 1450 ppm fluoride.
Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste, Original Mint, 75 ml — Best-Known Brand
Intended for: Marketed as a daily fluoride toothpaste in original mint that gives instant relief from tooth sensitivity, builds ongoing protection with twice-daily brushing and helps prevent tooth staining.
What we liked
- Stated instant relief from sensitivity and protection that builds with twice-daily brushing
- Helps prevent tooth staining, per the listing
- Listing describes Sensodyne as the No.1 dentist-recommended brand for sensitive teeth, citing a 2022 survey of 200 dentists
- Original mint flavour, 75 ml
Worth knowing
- Costs 49p more than the Colgate on these listings, about £4.63 per 100ml against about £3.97
- Relief claims are the manufacturer's own, with individual results varying
Best for
- Everyday sensitive-teeth care from a familiar brand
- Anyone who wants a stain-prevention claim
- Buyers who prefer the Sensodyne brand
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants a stated arginine or enamel-repair formula
Colgate Sensitive Instant Relief Repair + Enamel Strength Toothpaste, 75ml — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a refreshing mint toothpaste for sensitive teeth with Pro-Argin technology, 8% arginine and 1450 ppm fluoride that plugs the tubules in dentine for instant sensitivity relief and helps repair sensitive areas.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Sensodyne, at £2.98, about £3.97 per 100ml
- Pro-Argin technology stated to plug the tubules in dentine and block sensitivity pain instantly
- 8% arginine and 1450 ppm fluoride to remineralise enamel, per the listing
- Calcium helps form a protective layer to prevent sensitivity returning, per the listing
- Refreshing mint flavour, 75 ml
Worth knowing
- The listing does not mention a staining claim
- Relief and repair claims are the manufacturer's own
Best for
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone who wants a listed arginine and enamel-strength formula
- Everyday sensitive-teeth care
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a stain-prevention claim
- Buyers who prefer the Sensodyne brand
