Have you ever taken a sip of a cold drink and felt a sudden, sharp pain in your tooth? Or perhaps eating something sweet, hot or acidic causes a quick but uncomfortable sensation?
If so, you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity.
Sensitive teeth are common, but that does not necessarily mean you should simply put up with them. Tooth sensitivity can have several different causes, ranging from worn enamel and exposed tooth roots to tooth decay, gum problems or a cracked tooth.
Understanding why your teeth are sensitive can help you know when it is something you can manage with simple changes at home and when it is worth seeing your dentist.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, sometimes called dentine hypersensitivity, occurs when the more sensitive inner part of your tooth becomes exposed or responds more strongly to certain triggers.
Healthy teeth are protected by enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. Beneath the enamel is dentine, which contains tiny channels that can transmit sensations towards the nerve inside the tooth.
When enamel becomes worn or the gums recede, dentine can become exposed. This can make your teeth more sensitive to things such as:
- Cold drinks or food
- Hot drinks or food
- Sweet foods
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Cold air
- Brushing your teeth
- Touch or pressure
The pain is often sharp and short-lived, but persistent or worsening sensitivity should not be ignored.
What causes sensitive teeth?
There is no single cause of tooth sensitivity. Several different dental problems or everyday habits can contribute to it.
Enamel erosion
Your tooth enamel is extremely strong, but it can gradually wear away.
Acidic foods and drinks, including fizzy drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks and citrus products, can contribute to enamel erosion when your teeth are exposed to acid frequently.
Once enamel becomes thinner, the dentine underneath can become more vulnerable to sensitivity.
Brushing too hard
Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health, but more pressure does not necessarily mean cleaner teeth.
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too aggressively can contribute to enamel wear and gum recession over time.
A soft or medium toothbrush and gentle technique are usually more appropriate.
Gum recession
Your gums help protect the roots of your teeth. If your gums recede, parts of the tooth that are normally protected can become exposed.
Tooth roots do not have the same thick enamel covering as the visible crown of a tooth, so exposed roots can be particularly sensitive.
Gum recession can have several causes, including gum disease, aggressive brushing and natural changes over time.
Tooth decay
Sensitivity can sometimes be a sign of tooth decay.
As decay progresses through the enamel and towards the deeper parts of a tooth, you may begin to experience sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
If sensitivity is persistent, particularly if it is becoming more noticeable, a dental examination can help determine whether decay is involved.
A cracked or damaged tooth
A cracked tooth can sometimes cause a sharp pain when you bite down or release your bite.
Depending on the location and severity of the crack, you may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold.
Cracks do not always cause obvious symptoms, so unusual sensitivity in one particular tooth is worth getting checked.
Teeth grinding
Grinding or clenching your teeth can place significant pressure on your teeth.
Over time, this may contribute to tooth wear, small fractures or damage to the enamel, all of which can increase sensitivity.
Some people grind their teeth while sleeping without realising they are doing it.
Dental treatments
Some dental treatments can cause temporary sensitivity.
For example, it is not unusual for teeth to feel more sensitive for a short period following certain procedures, including professional teeth whitening.
Your dentist should be able to explain what level of sensitivity to expect and how long it is likely to last.
If sensitivity persists or becomes severe, however, it is worth getting advice.
Why do my teeth hurt when I drink something cold?
Cold sensitivity is one of the most common symptoms people associate with sensitive teeth.
If the protective enamel has become thinner or the tooth roots are exposed, cold temperatures can stimulate the nerves inside the tooth more easily.
Occasional, brief sensitivity does not always indicate a serious problem. However, if one tooth is particularly sensitive, the pain lasts after the cold stimulus has gone, or the sensitivity is getting worse, there may be an underlying issue that needs attention.
Why do my teeth hurt when I eat something sweet?
Sweet foods can trigger sensitivity when dentine is exposed or when a tooth has been affected by decay.
If you regularly experience pain when eating chocolate, sweets or other sugary foods, do not assume that you simply have “sensitive teeth”.
A dentist can check whether the sensitivity is caused by enamel wear, decay, gum recession or another problem.
Can sensitive teeth be treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on what is causing the sensitivity.
If there is no significant underlying dental problem, your dentist may recommend changes to your oral hygiene routine or products designed for sensitive teeth.
Depending on the cause, treatment could include:
- Desensitising toothpaste
- Fluoride treatments
- Advice about brushing technique
- Treatment for gum disease
- Restorations for damaged or decayed teeth
- Protection for worn teeth
- Treatment for cracked teeth
- Advice or treatment for teeth grinding
The important point is that there is no single treatment for every case of sensitivity. Finding the cause comes first.
What can I do at home for sensitive teeth?
There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of sensitivity and protect your teeth.
Use a suitable toothbrush
Choose a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles and avoid brushing with excessive pressure.
It is more important to brush thoroughly and gently than aggressively.
Consider toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may help reduce symptoms for some people.
It can take consistent use before you notice an improvement, so follow the product instructions and continue brushing regularly.
Be mindful of acidic foods and drinks
Frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks can contribute to enamel erosion.
Try to reduce how often your teeth are exposed to acidic drinks, and consider drinking water afterwards.
Importantly, avoid brushing immediately after consuming something acidic, as the enamel can be temporarily softened.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Sensitivity should not be a reason to avoid brushing.
Keeping your teeth and gums clean helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can contribute to sensitivity.
Do not ignore persistent symptoms
Home care can help manage some types of sensitivity, but it cannot diagnose or treat an underlying dental problem.
If your sensitivity continues, a dental examination is the best way to understand what is happening.
When should I see a dentist about sensitive teeth?
It is a good idea to speak to your dentist if:
- Your sensitivity is persistent or getting worse
- One particular tooth is causing pain
- You experience pain when biting
- You have sensitivity that lasts after eating or drinking
- You notice a visible crack or damage
- Your gums are bleeding, swollen or receding
- You have not had a dental check-up recently
- Your sensitivity is interfering with eating or drinking
You should seek prompt dental advice if you develop significant pain, swelling or other symptoms suggesting an infection.
Can sensitive teeth be prevented?
You cannot prevent every possible cause of tooth sensitivity, but good everyday habits can reduce your risk.
Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth regularly, avoid excessive pressure when brushing and keep acidic and sugary foods and drinks to a sensible level.
Regular dental appointments are also important because they allow your dentist to identify problems before they become more advanced.
The bottom line
Sensitive teeth are common, but they are not something you necessarily have to live with.
Sometimes sensitivity is caused by relatively simple issues such as enamel wear or exposed tooth roots. In other cases, it can be a warning sign of tooth decay, gum disease, a cracked tooth or another problem that needs treatment.
If your teeth have suddenly become sensitive, or sensitivity keeps coming back, getting the cause checked is the safest way to know what is going on.
At Love-Teeth, we believe dental care should be clear, comfortable and free from unnecessary pressure. If something does not feel right, we are here to help you understand your options and decide on the right next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tooth sensitivity serious?
Tooth sensitivity is not always a sign of a serious problem, but persistent or worsening sensitivity should be assessed. It can sometimes be associated with tooth decay, gum recession, enamel erosion or a cracked tooth.
Can sensitive teeth go away on their own?
Some temporary sensitivity may settle, particularly after certain dental treatments. However, sensitivity caused by an underlying dental problem is unlikely to resolve simply by ignoring it.
Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?
Sudden sensitivity can have several causes, including enamel erosion, gum recession, tooth decay, a cracked tooth or recent dental treatment. If the change is sudden or affects one tooth, it is worth arranging a dental assessment.
Does sensitive toothpaste really work?
Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce sensitivity for many people when used consistently. However, it will not fix an underlying problem such as tooth decay or a cracked tooth.
Should I stop brushing sensitive teeth?
No. Good oral hygiene remains important. Instead, use a suitable toothbrush and gentle technique, and speak to your dentist if brushing is painful.
Can whitening cause sensitive teeth?
Yes. Some people experience temporary sensitivity during or after teeth whitening. Your dental team can advise you on the safest way to whiten your teeth and how to manage sensitivity if it occurs. Contact Us today to set up a visit.