Tooth Sensitivity in Athletes: Causes and Solutions

Many endurance athletes know the feeling: that sharp, sudden zing when you drink cold water during a race, or bite into something sweet after training. Tooth sensitivity is a common issue among athletes — and it’s more than just discomfort. It’s often a sign of enamel erosion, exposed dentin, or soft tissue changes that deserve attention.

Why Athletes Experience More Tooth Sensitivity

1. Acidic Sports Drinks and Fuels
Frequent consumption of sports drinks, energy drinks, and carbohydrate gels exposes teeth to acids and sugars. These lower the pH in the mouth, soften enamel, and accelerate erosion, leaving dentin more vulnerable [1–3].

2. Chlorinated Pool Exposure (something not usually thought about)
Swimmers often train in pools with low pH levels, which can increase enamel erosion and contribute to sensitivity, especially along incisal edges and smooth surfaces [4].

3. Decreased Salivary Flow
Endurance training often leads to oral dehydration. Reduced saliva means less buffering, less remineralization, and a higher risk of acid damage [5].

4. Mechanical Stress and Aggressive Brushing
Many athletes brush vigorously — sometimes immediately after training — when enamel is temporarily softened. This can cause abrasive wear and gingival recession, both of which expose dentin and increase sensitivity [6].

5. Gum Recession from Oral Hygiene or Clenching
Gingival recession exposes root dentin, which has no enamel covering. Combined with frequent acidic challenges, this can lead to pronounced sensitivity, especially in cyclists and runners who clench during exertion [6].

The Science Behind Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentinal tubules — microscopic channels in dentin — become exposed to the oral environment. Cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli cause fluid movement in these tubules, which triggers pain signals in the nerve [7]. This is why enamel erosion, gum recession, and brushing habits play such a big role in athlete-related sensitivity.

Solutions: How Athletes Can Manage Tooth Sensitivity

1. Address Erosion and Fueling Habits

  • Limit the frequency of acidic drinks during training.

  • Rinse with water after sports drinks or gels to clear sugars and acids.

  • Wait 30 minutes before brushing after acidic exposure.

2. Use Desensitizing and Protective Toothpastes

  • Fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) toothpastes can seal dentinal tubules, remineralize enamel, and reduce sensitivity over time [8–9].

  • Avoid high-RDA (abrasive) toothpastes, especially whitening products that can worsen sensitivity.

3. Professional Treatments if Needed

  • Fluoride varnishes, resin sealants, or desensitizing agents can offer targeted relief.

  • In advanced cases, restorations or grafting may be needed, but conservative approaches should come first [10].

4. Support Natural Defenses

  • Stay hydrated to maintain saliva flow.

  • Chew sugar-free gum post-training to stimulate saliva.

  • Use gentle, SLS-free toothpaste to avoid mucosal irritation.

How Athladent Helps

Athladent toothpastes are formulated to protect athletes’ teeth from the exact factors that cause sensitivity:

  • Nano-hydroxyapatite line – Seals exposed dentinal tubules and repairs early enamel damage.

  • Fluoride line – Strengthens enamel and protects against acid challenges.

  • Ultra-low abrasivity (RDA <30) – Prevents further wear on already softened enamel.

  • SLS-free formulation – Reduces irritation for sensitive mouths.

  • Natural extracts – Green tea, black tea, and grape seed support the salivary pellicle and add another layer of defense.

For athletes, using the right toothpaste daily is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage sensitivity and protect long-term oral health.

From the Chair

Tooth sensitivity in athletes is common — but it’s not something you just have to “live with.” By understanding the causes and making smart fueling, hygiene, and product choices, you can reduce discomfort and protect your teeth. Whether you’re a cyclist sipping sports drinks on a 100-mile ride or a swimmer training in chlorinated pools, proactive oral care can keep your smile pain-free and strong.

References

  1. Gálvez-Bravo F, Edwards-Toro F, Contador-Cotroneo R, et al. Erosive Potential of Sports, Energy Drinks, and Isotonic Solutions on Athletes' Teeth: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025;17(3):403.

  2. Mielle B, Júdice A, Proença L, et al. Dental Caries, Tooth Erosion and Nutritional Habits in a Cohort of Athletes. Nutrients. 2025;17(3):543.

  3. Sirimaharaj V, Brearley Messer L, Morgan MV. Acidic Diet and Dental Erosion Among Athletes. Aust Dent J. 2002;47(3):228–236.

  4. Abdelrahman HH, Ammar N, Hassan MG, Essam W, Amer H. Erosive Tooth Wear and Salivary Parameters Among Competitive Swimmers. Clin Oral Investig. 2023;27(12):7777–7785.

  5. Frese C, Frese F, Kuhlmann S, et al. Effect of Endurance Training on Dental Erosion, Caries, and Saliva. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015;25(3):e319–326.

  6. Addy M. Tooth Brushing, Tooth Wear and Dentine Hypersensitivity—Are They Associated? Int Dent J. 2005;55(4 Suppl 1):261–267.

  7. Brännström M. A hydrodynamic mechanism in the transmission of pain. J Dent Res. 1963;42(4): 704–712.

  8. Najibfard K, Ramalingam K, Chedjieu I, Amaechi BT. Remineralization of early caries by nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrice. J Clin Dent. 2011;22(5):139–143.

  9. Hegazy SA, Salama R, El Badrawy W. Clinical evaluation of nano-hydroxyapatite versus fluoride in preventing dental caries. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2015;39(4):318–326.

  10. Clark D, Levin L. Non-surgical management of tooth hypersensitivity. Int Dent J. 2016;66(5):249–256.