Sensitive Teeth — Causes and Treatment

The roots of your teeth do not have the same protective enamel that the crown of the tooth has. When the gums recede, the dentine on the root is exposed, and that surface has tiny tubules leading toward the nerve. Cold and sweet stimuli travel along those tubules and trigger the sharp pain.

The thin layer of enamel on the chewing surface and around the necks of the teeth can wear down over time from grinding, acidic foods, or aggressive brushing. As enamel thins, the underlying dentine becomes more reactive.

Frequent exposure to acidic drinks (citrus, soft drinks, sports drinks, wine), reflux, or vomiting can wear away enamel chemically. Our acid erosion page covers this in more detail.

A hard-bristled brush, a heavy hand, or scrubbing back and forth can wear away both enamel and gum tissue at the necks of the teeth. Switching to a soft brush and using small circular movements often helps.

Sensitivity after professional or at-home whitening is common and usually temporary. It tends to settle within a few days. See our whitening sensitivity page for more.

Bruxism puts heavy forces on the necks of the teeth, which can create small notches at the gum line called abfractions. These areas can become sensitive. A nightguard may help.

Sensitivity localised to one tooth — especially with pain on biting — often points to a cracked tooth, decay, or a failing filling. This needs to be checked rather than managed with desensitising products alone.

Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride help block the tiny tubules in dentine and calm the nerve response. They typically take two to four weeks of consistent twice-daily use to show their full effect. Smearing a small amount on the sensitive area before bed can help further.

We can apply professional-strength fluoride varnishes or desensitising agents to sensitive areas. Where root surfaces are exposed, a thin protective coating may be appropriate to seal the dentine.

Where the gum line has worn into a noticeable groove, a small composite filling can cover the exposed dentine and provide more reliable relief.

If sensitivity is coming from decay, a crack, or a leaking filling, the only durable solution is to address that cause directly. If grinding is involved, a nightguard usually makes a noticeable difference within a few weeks.

Sensitivity that comes with bleeding gums, recession, or persistent inflammation may be a sign of gum disease. Treating the gum issue often improves the sensitivity as well.

It often helps with mild, general sensitivity, but it does not address a cracked tooth, decay, or recession that needs restoration. Use it consistently for at least two weeks before judging the effect.

Cleans can temporarily expose areas that were under tartar, and whitening can mildly irritate the dentine. Both usually settle within a few days. If sensitivity persists beyond a week, let us know.

Mild sensitivity from a one-off trigger (such as a cold spell or a recent clean) often settles. Sensitivity that has built up over months or years usually needs some action — even if that is just better technique and a desensitising toothpaste.

Possibly. Sensitivity that is sharply localised to one tooth often points to a crack, decay, or a leaking filling, and is worth checking. General sensitivity across many teeth is more likely to be recession or wear.

They can be, because most have pressure sensors and gentle round head movements that are kinder to the gum line than scrubbing with a manual brush. Either type is fine — the bigger factor is the bristles being soft and your technique being gentle.

You do not need to. Sensitivity is unpleasant but not harmful in itself. Reducing very cold or very acidic drinks while the area settles is reasonable, and using a straw helps.

Yes, though it is less common. New adult teeth can be temporarily sensitive as they come through, and acid erosion from frequent juice or sports drinks can affect children too. Our children’s dentistry hub has more information.