A short, sharp twinge after a cold drink, a hot tea or something sweet is the classic sign of tooth sensitivity. It is common and can often be reduced significantly with the right measures. Sometimes, however, sensitivity is a warning sign of a problem that needs treatment, such as decay or a crack.
How Does Sensitivity Develop?
The crown of the tooth is covered by enamel and the root by cementum. Beneath them lies dentine, which contains microscopic tubules leading to the nerve. When enamel wears away or the gum recedes and exposes the root, stimuli such as hot and cold reach the nerve through these tubules and cause brief, sharp pain.
Common Causes
- Gum recession: exposed root surfaces are one of the most common causes.
- Hard brushing: hard bristles and a scrubbing motion wear down enamel and gums.
- Acidic diet: fizzy drinks, citrus fruit, vinegar and frequent fruit juice soften enamel.
- Clenching and grinding: can cause enamel wear and notches at the gum line.
- Reflux and frequent vomiting: stomach acid can cause significant erosion.
- Decay, cracks or leaking fillings: if one tooth is particularly sensitive, these should be ruled out first.
- After whitening or a scale and polish: temporary sensitivity is common and usually settles within days.
Sensitivity or Something Else?
With typical dentine sensitivity, pain starts with the stimulus and fades within seconds once it is removed. The following may point to a different problem:
- Pain that lingers long after the stimulus is gone
- Spontaneous, throbbing pain or pain that worsens at night
- Sharp pain when biting (possible cracked tooth)
- Gum swelling or a change in tooth colour
In these cases an examination is recommended, as the cause may need a filling or root canal treatment.
8 Tips for Sensitive Teeth
- Use a soft toothbrush with gentle, small movements from the gum towards the tooth.
- Try a desensitising toothpaste. With regular use, the effect usually builds over a few weeks.
- Spit, don't rinse. Not rinsing with lots of water after brushing lets the fluoride work longer.
- Limit acidic food and drinks; use a straw and drink water afterwards.
- Do not brush straight after acidic food or drink; wait 30–60 minutes while the enamel re-hardens.
- Pause whitening and abrasive toothpastes while your teeth are sensitive.
- If you clench, ask your dentist about a night guard.
- If you have reflux, see your doctor; erosion is easier to control when reflux is treated.
In-Clinic Treatments
- Fluoride varnish and desensitising agents: help seal open dentine tubules.
- Bonding: worn, sensitive areas at the gum line can be covered with composite.
- Gum treatment: for recession-related sensitivity, gum treatments and, in suitable cases, a gum graft may be considered.
- Night guard: helps prevent further wear from clenching and grinding.
- Root canal treatment: a last resort for severe, nerve-related cases that do not respond to other measures.
Assessing Sensitivity at Defne Prime Dent
At our clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul, the source of sensitivity is identified through an examination and, if needed, X-rays. Once decay, cracks or gum-related causes have been distinguished, a suitable plan is made. Contact us to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tooth sensitivity permanent?
In most cases, no. When the cause is identified and addressed and the right care is used, sensitivity usually decreases markedly.
How long does desensitising toothpaste take to work?
With twice-daily use, the effect is usually felt within 2–4 weeks. Sensitivity may return if you stop using it.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
Temporary sensitivity after whitening is common and usually passes within a few days. Professionally supervised whitening includes measures to reduce it.
What does it mean if only one tooth is sensitive?
Marked sensitivity in a single tooth may point to a local problem such as decay, a crack, a leaking filling or localised gum recession. An examination is recommended.
This article is for general information only and does not replace an examination. Please consult your dentist for advice specific to you.
