OVERVIEW
Relief for Sensitive Teeth
Do you experience a sharp, sudden sensation when drinking something cold, eating hot food, or enjoying something sweet?
Teeth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is a common dental concern that can make everyday eating and drinking uncomfortable. At Worldwide, treatment begins by identifying the underlying cause of sensitivity before choosing the appropriate approach. The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to protect the tooth and address the source of the problem whenever possible.
What Is Teeth Sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity occurs when the inner dentin layer of the tooth becomes exposed or when the tooth’s protective enamel or gum tissue is compromised. Dentin contains microscopic channels that can transmit sensations toward the tooth’s nerve. When exposed dentin comes into contact with hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or other stimuli, it can trigger a short, sharp sensation.
Common Symptoms
Sensitive teeth may cause:
- Sharp pain when drinking cold water
- Discomfort from hot beverages
- Sensitivity to sweet foods
- Discomfort when eating acidic foods
- Sensitivity when brushing
- Pain when breathing cold air
- Short bursts of discomfort after eating/drinking
Sensitivity is typically brief. Persistent, spontaneous, or severe tooth pain may indicate another dental condition and should be evaluated by a dentist.
Why Does Cold Food Hurt My Teeth?
Cold temperatures can cause movement within the fluid contained in exposed dentinal tubules. This stimulation can reach the nerve of the tooth and create a sudden sharp sensation. That is why a cold drink can sometimes cause an immediate “zing” in a sensitive tooth.
However, sensitivity to cold is not always simply dentin hypersensitivity. A cavity, cracked tooth, leaking restoration, or inflamed dental pulp can also cause sensitivity. This is why diagnosis matters.
THE PROCEDURE
Teeth Sensitivity Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend one or more approaches.
01
Comprehensive Dental Examination
The first step is identifying why the tooth is sensitive. Your dentist may evaluate tooth enamel, gum position, exposed root surfaces, existing fillings, signs of tooth decay, tooth cracks, bite forces, and pulp condition.
02
Desensitizing Treatment
Professional desensitizing agents can be applied to sensitive areas to reduce the transmission of external stimuli. These treatments may be particularly useful when sensitivity is associated with exposed dentin.
03
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and may reduce sensitivity in appropriate cases. Your dentist may recommend professional fluoride treatment or a fluoride-containing toothpaste depending on your oral health.
04
Treatment for Gum Recession
If sensitivity is caused by exposed root surfaces, treatment may involve improved brushing technique, desensitizing treatment, restorative treatment, periodontal treatment, or gum grafting in selected cases.
05
Aesthetic Dental Fillings
When sensitivity is caused by exposed root surfaces, cervical lesions, enamel defects, or localized tooth damage, a tooth-colored composite restoration may sometimes be used to cover and protect the affected area.
06
Treatment for Tooth Decay
If sensitivity is caused by a cavity, treating the decay is essential. Depending on the amount of tooth damage, treatment may involve an aesthetic dental filling, inlay/onlay, dental crown, or root canal treatment.
07
Treatment for Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth can produce sensitivity, particularly when chewing. Possible treatments include monitoring, restorative treatment, a crown, or root canal treatment depending on the severity.
08
Managing Teeth Grinding
If sensitivity is associated with grinding or clenching, your dentist may evaluate your bite and recommend a custom night guard or other measures to reduce excessive forces on the teeth.
09
Treatment After Teeth Whitening
Temporary sensitivity can occur after professional teeth whitening. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing products, fluoride treatment, or adjusting the whitening protocol.
Important Information
Learn more about what causes sensitive teeth, how it differs from a toothache, and when to seek professional care.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
- Enamel Wear: Aggressive brushing, acidic foods, or other factors can contribute to enamel erosion.
- Gum Recession: When the gums recede, the root surface becomes exposed.
- Tooth Decay: Dental cavities can expose sensitive inner tooth structures.
- Cracked Teeth: A cracked tooth may cause sensitivity, particularly when biting.
- Worn Fillings: Damaged or defective restorations can contribute to sensitivity.
- Teeth Grinding: Grinding or clenching can contribute to enamel wear.
- Recent Dental Treatment: Temporary sensitivity can occur after fillings, whitening, crowns, or veneers.
When Should You See a Dentist?
You should consider a dental examination if sensitivity:
- Continues for more than a short period
- Is becoming increasingly frequent
- Affects one specific tooth
- Occurs without an obvious trigger
- Causes pain when biting
- Continues after the stimulus is removed
- Is accompanied by swelling or visible tooth damage
Teeth Sensitivity vs. Toothache
Teeth Sensitivity: Usually short and sharp, triggered by hot/cold/sweet stimuli, often stops shortly after trigger removal, may involve exposed dentin, and often responds to desensitizing care.
Toothache: May be persistent, may occur spontaneously, can continue for minutes or hours, may indicate deeper tooth problems, and may require restorative or endodontic treatment.
Home Care & Prevention
Use a Soft Toothbrush & Brush Gently
Choose a soft toothbrush and avoid aggressive horizontal scrubbing. Use small, controlled movements along the gumline.
Reduce Acidic Foods & Drinks
Frequent exposure to soft drinks, citrus fruits, and vinegar-based foods can erode enamel. Rinse with water first and avoid brushing immediately after consuming them.
Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
A toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may help reduce sensitivity when used consistently over several weeks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions
Can sensitive teeth be cured?
Treatment can often significantly reduce or eliminate sensitivity, but the result depends on the underlying cause.
Does sensitive toothpaste really work?
Desensitizing toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity when used consistently. It may take several applications or weeks of regular use before noticeable improvement occurs.
Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive?
Sudden sensitivity can have several causes, including enamel wear, gum recession, decay, cracked teeth, worn fillings, or recent dental treatment. A dental examination can identify the cause.
Can teeth sensitivity be caused by cavities or gum recession?
Yes. Dental decay can expose the inner structures of a tooth and cause sensitivity. Gum recession can also expose the tooth root, which does not have the same enamel protection as the crown.
Can I whiten sensitive teeth?
Possibly, but sensitivity should be assessed first. Your dentist may recommend a modified whitening protocol or desensitizing treatment.
Should I be worried if one tooth is sensitive?
A single sensitive tooth deserves attention, particularly if the sensitivity is new, persistent, or associated with biting pain.
Does tartar removal cause sensitivity?
Temporary sensitivity can sometimes occur after professional cleaning, particularly when significant tartar has been removed and previously covered tooth surfaces become exposed. Persistent sensitivity should be evaluated.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD COMFORTABLE TEETH
Book a Dental Consultation
Don’t let sensitivity limit your smile. Sensitive teeth can have many causes. The right treatment begins with finding the reason behind the sensitivity.
At Worldwide, your teeth and gums are evaluated carefully so that treatment can focus on both comfort and long-term oral health.
*Your information is kept strictly confidential.
