That sharp, sudden twinge when biting into something cold, sipping a hot drink, or eating something sweet is a sensation many people know all too well. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental complaints, and while it's often dismissed as a minor annoyance, it can genuinely affect everyday enjoyment of food and drink, and sometimes signals something worth addressing.
The good news is that tooth sensitivity usually has identifiable causes, and in most cases there's something that can be done about it. Understanding why teeth become sensitive is the first step to managing it. Here's a clear guide to what causes tooth sensitivity and how to deal with it.
What's Actually Happening When Teeth Feel Sensitive
To understand sensitivity, it helps to know a little about the structure of a tooth.
Beneath the hard outer enamel of a tooth lies a layer called dentine, and beneath that is the tooth's nerve. Dentine contains countless tiny channels, or tubules, that lead toward the nerve. Normally, the dentine is protected, covered by enamel on the crown of the tooth and by the gums and a layer called cementum on the root.
Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when this protective covering is lost or worn away, exposing the dentine. Once the dentine is exposed, hot, cold, sweet or acidic stimuli can travel through those tiny channels to the nerve, producing that characteristic sharp, brief twinge. So sensitivity is essentially the result of the tooth's protective layers being compromised in some way.
The Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Several things can lead to exposed dentine and the sensitivity that comes with it.
- Brushing too hard, which wears away enamel and can cause the gums to recede, exposing sensitive root surfaces
- Gum recession, whether from brushing, gum disease or age, which exposes the root of the tooth
- Enamel erosion from frequent acidic foods and drinks, which gradually wears the protective enamel thin
- Tooth grinding, which wears down enamel over time
- Tooth decay or damaged fillings, which can expose the inner parts of the tooth
- A cracked tooth, which can cause sensitivity
- Recent dental treatment, such as a filling or whitening, which can cause temporary sensitivity that usually settles
Often, more than one factor is involved. Identifying the specific cause matters, because the right way to address sensitivity depends on what's behind it. For reliable, non-commercial information on oral health, Healthdirect, the Australian Government's health information service, is a trustworthy reference.
What You Can Do About It
The encouraging news is that there's usually plenty that can be done to reduce or resolve tooth sensitivity, starting with simple measures.
For everyday sensitivity, these steps often help:
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, which contains ingredients that help block the sensation over time; using it consistently is key
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush, to avoid wearing enamel and causing further gum recession
- Avoid brushing straight after acidic food or drink, waiting about thirty minutes so softened enamel isn't worn away
- Cut back on frequent acidic foods and drinks, to reduce enamel erosion
- Spit rather than rinse after brushing, to leave protective fluoride on the teeth
These measures address many cases of mild to moderate sensitivity, particularly when the cause is exposed dentine from brushing or erosion.
When to See a Dentist
While simple measures help many cases, sensitivity is sometimes a sign of something that needs professional attention, so it's worth knowing when to seek help.
It's worth seeing a dentist if the sensitivity is severe, persistent, or getting worse; if it's focused on one particular tooth rather than being generalised; if it lingers rather than being a brief twinge; or if it's accompanied by other signs like pain on biting or visible damage. These can indicate causes such as decay, a cracked tooth, a problem with a filling, or gum disease, which need proper treatment rather than just home management.
A dentist can identify exactly what's causing the sensitivity and address it appropriately. Depending on the cause, professional treatments can include applying fluoride varnish or other desensitising treatments, sealing or bonding exposed root surfaces, treating any decay or gum disease, or addressing grinding with a night splint. Anyone troubled by tooth sensitivity would benefit from having it assessed. A practice such as Bradbury Dental Surgery can determine what's causing the sensitivity, rule out any underlying problem, and recommend the most effective treatment for the individual.
Preventing Sensitivity
Many of the causes of sensitivity are preventable, so good habits help keep it at bay.
Brushing gently with a soft brush, being mindful of acidic foods and drinks, not brushing immediately after acid exposure, addressing teeth grinding, and keeping up regular dental check-ups all help protect the enamel and gums that shield against sensitivity. Since prevention is easier than treatment, these everyday habits are worth maintaining even for those who don't currently experience sensitivity.
The Bottom Line
Tooth sensitivity, that sharp twinge in response to hot, cold, sweet or acidic things, happens when the tooth's protective layers are worn away and the sensitive dentine beneath is exposed. Common causes include brushing too hard, gum recession, enamel erosion, grinding, decay and cracked teeth, and often more than one factor is at play.
The reassuring news is that sensitivity can usually be managed. Simple measures like desensitising toothpaste, gentle brushing and being mindful of acidic foods help many cases, while persistent or severe sensitivity warrants a dental visit to identify and treat the underlying cause. With the right approach, most people can reduce or resolve their sensitivity and get back to enjoying their food and drink without that unwelcome twinge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Have My Teeth Suddenly Become Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective enamel or gum covering is worn away, exposing the sensitive dentine beneath. Common causes include brushing too hard, gum recession, enamel erosion from acidic foods and drinks, grinding, tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or recent dental treatment. Since sudden or persistent sensitivity can sometimes indicate a problem like decay or a crack, it's worth having it checked if it continues.
How Can I Reduce Tooth Sensitivity at Home?
Several measures help: use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth consistently, brush gently with a soft-bristled brush, avoid brushing straight after acidic food or drink, cut back on frequent acidic foods and drinks, and spit rather than rinse after brushing to leave protective fluoride on the teeth. These often reduce mild to moderate sensitivity, especially when it's caused by exposed dentine from brushing or erosion.
When Should I See a Dentist About Sensitive Teeth?
See a dentist if the sensitivity is severe, persistent or worsening, focused on one particular tooth, lingering rather than a brief twinge, or accompanied by pain on biting or visible damage. These can indicate causes like decay, a cracked tooth, a filling problem or gum disease that need professional treatment. A dentist can identify the cause and recommend the most effective approach.
Can Sensitive Teeth Be Cured?
In many cases sensitivity can be significantly reduced or resolved, though it depends on the cause. Sensitivity from exposed dentine often responds well to desensitising toothpaste and gentle brushing, while professional treatments like fluoride varnish or bonding can help further. Where the cause is decay, a crack or gum disease, treating that underlying problem addresses the sensitivity. A dentist can advise on the best approach for your situation.
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