Tooth Sensitivity in Athletes: Why It Happens and How to Protect Your Smile

As dentists, we often hear athletes complain about “zinging” or sharp tooth pain during training or after consuming cold drinks. This tooth sensitivity is more than an annoyance—it’s usually a sign of underlying dental erosion and exposed dentin. For endurance athletes, the problem is common, preventable, and worth addressing early.

Why Athletes Experience Tooth Sensitivity

Acidic fueling habits
Frequent use of sports drinks, high sugar foods, and energy drinks, exposes teeth to high acidity, which softens enamel and opens the door to dentin exposure [1–3].

Mechanical stress and training environments
Heavy training puts teeth under stress. For swimmers, frequent exposure to low-pH pool water can increase erosion [4]. For others, clenching and grinding during exertion can wear enamel.

Reduced saliva during exercise
Endurance training often causes dehydration and heavy breathing, which reduce saliva flow. Without saliva’s natural buffering and protective effects, acids linger longer on the teeth [5].

Aggressive brushing or poor hygiene
Some athletes brush too hard or use abrasive products. This can cause gum recession and dentin exposure, making teeth more sensitive [6].

First-Line Solutions: Prevention and Protection

The good news is that tooth sensitivity can often be managed without invasive procedures. Evidence supports these strategies:

  • Desensitizing toothpastes – Products containing nano-hydroxyapatite or potassium nitrate can block open dentinal tubules and reduce pain [7–9].

  • Fluoride treatments – Fluoride toothpaste or professional varnishes help remineralize enamel and strengthen teeth against acid [7–9].

  • Smarter fueling habits – Limit acidic beverages, rinse with water immediately after, and avoid brushing right after acidic exposure to reduce enamel wear [3,10].

  • Tailored education and diet counseling – Athletes, coaches, and support staff should be aware of the risks so preventive routines can become part of training [2,11].

If sensitivity persists, dentists may consider in-office desensitizing agents or minimally invasive restorations. However, more aggressive treatments should only be pursued if conservative measures fail [8–9].

How Athladent Helps Athletes with Sensitivity

Athladent toothpastes were formulated with athletes’ unique risks in mind:

  • Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) line – Fills microscopic enamel defects, smooths surfaces, and seals dentinal tubules to reduce sensitivity while repairing early damage.

  • Fluoride line – Strengthens enamel and prevents cavity progression from frequent acid and sugar exposure.

  • Ultra-low abrasivity – Protects against mechanical wear caused by aggressive brushing.

  • SLS-free formulation – Reduces irritation and dry mouth risks during heavy training.

  • Protective natural extracts – Green tea, black tea, and grape seed extracts help reinforce the salivary pellicle, a key natural shield against acid erosion.

Athladent gives athletes a science-based daily defense system to protect against the cycle of erosion, sensitivity, and decay.

From the Chair

Tooth sensitivity isn’t something athletes should ignore—it’s a warning sign of enamel loss and dentin exposure. By addressing the causes, adopting smart preventive strategies, and using specialized products like Athladent, athletes can protect their teeth while continuing to perform at their best.

Your training should challenge your body, not your smile.

References

  1. Gálvez-Bravo F, Edwards-Toro F, Contador-Cotroneo R, et al. Nutrients. 2025;17(3):403.

  2. Mielle B, Júdice A, Proença L, et al. Nutrients. 2025;17(3):543.

  3. Sirimaharaj V, Brearley Messer L, Morgan MV. Aust Dent J. 2002;47(3):228-36.

  4. Abdelrahman HH, Ammar N, Hassan MG, Essam W, Amer H. Clin Oral Investig. 2023;27(12):7777-7785.

  5. Frese C, Frese F, Kuhlmann S, et al. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015;25(3):e319-26.

  6. Addy M. Int Dent J. 2005;55(4 Suppl 1):261-7.

  7. Butera A, Gallo S, Pascadopoli M, et al. J Clin Med. 2022;11(16):4893.

  8. Clark D, Levin L. Quintessence Int. 2018;49(2):147-151.

  9. Clark D, Levin L. Int Dent J. 2016;66(5):249-56.

  10. Needleman I, Ashley P, Fine P, et al. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(1):3-6.

  11. Khan K, Qadir A, Trakman G, et al. Nutrients. 2022;14(23):5089.