Provided is an oral care composition, e.g., a dentifrice, comprising a calcium abrasive, e.g., calcium carbonate, potassium nitrate (KNO3), and a basic amino acid, in free or salt form, e.g., arginine, in free or salt form, wherein the potassium nitrate is present in an amount of 0.1-1% by weight of the composition and methods of using the same.