An oral care composition having a soluble zinc polyphosphate complex made by combining ingredients including an inorganic zinc salt, and a plurality of long chain polyphosphates having 6 or more phosphate polymer units, the relative amount of inorganic zinc salt and long chain polyphosphates providing 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.