An oral care composition having a soluble zinc polyphosphate complex made by combining ingredients including a zinc salt, a plurality of long chain polyphosphates having 6 or more phosphate polymer units, and a solvent, the relative amount of organic zinc salt and long chain polyphosphates provides a phosphorus to zinc mole ratio of at least 6:1. Further provided is a method of treating a subject suffering from dentinal sensitivity applying the oral care composition to the teeth and gums of the subject.