Sensitive teeth: causes and treatment

A sharp twinge from a cold drink can be a sign of exposed dentine, but not every painful response to cold is simple sensitivity. Decay, a crack or a problem with a filling can feel similar. New or persistent symptoms deserve a dental assessment, particularly if only one tooth is affected.

Dentine lies beneath enamel and contains tiny channels that communicate with the nerve inside the tooth. Enamel wear or gum recession can leave it exposed, allowing cold, heat or other triggers to cause discomfort.

What may be contributing?

Brushing with too much pressure, acid wear and gum recession can contribute to sensitivity. Frequent acidic drinks, reflux or repeated vomiting can expose teeth to acid. Grinding may cause wear or damage, while whitening can cause temporary sensitivity.

These possibilities need to be distinguished from problems such as decay or a cracked tooth. Tell your dentist what triggers the pain, which teeth are affected and whether it stops quickly or lingers afterwards. Pain that wakes you, starts without a trigger or occurs on biting should not be dismissed as ordinary sensitivity.

What you can do while arranging advice

Use a soft toothbrush with gentle pressure and keep cleaning your teeth. A fluoride toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help when exposed dentine is the cause; follow the pack instructions and ask your dentist or pharmacist if you are unsure which to choose. It may need regular use before you notice a difference.

Brush twice daily and spit out the toothpaste without rinsing it away. Do not scrub the painful area harder. Prescription-strength fluoride is appropriate for some people, but it should be recommended for your own needs rather than chosen simply because it sounds stronger.

Avoid homemade whitening mixtures and abrasive powders. Alternating an abrasive whitening product with ordinary toothpaste does not guarantee protection from wear. If whitening has brought on symptoms, stop the treatment and contact the dental team before continuing.

Reduce frequent acidic drinks and avoid sipping or swishing them for long periods. You can still eat a balanced diet that includes fruit. Reflux or frequent vomiting needs attention to the cause as well as the teeth. Ask for advice about your routine if acid wear is a concern; a fixed waiting period after every meal is not a complete solution.

How a dentist can help

Treatment depends on the findings. Options may include a desensitising treatment, advice about brushing, protection of an exposed surface or treatment for gum disease. Decay, cracks and defective fillings need their own assessment and management. A routine scale and polish is not a universal treatment for sensitive teeth.

Let the dentist know if you grind your teeth or if symptoms followed whitening or recent dental treatment. There is no need to try a succession of home remedies before asking for help.

When pain needs prompt attention

Contact a dentist promptly for severe or persistent pain, especially with swelling, fever or a bad taste. If you cannot access urgent dental care, contact NHS 111. Swelling around the eye or neck, or difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, needs emergency care at A&E; call 999 if you need an ambulance.

For sensitivity without those urgent symptoms, contact our team to arrange a check and discuss appropriate care.