What Sensitivity Actually Is
Under your enamel lies dentin, a layer full of tiny channels leading towards the nerve. When enamel wears thin or the gum pulls back, those channels are exposed.
Cold, heat, sweetness or even a breath of air can then travel straight through and trigger that short, sharp pain.
Common Causes
- Brushing too hard, or with a hard-bristled brush.
- Acidic food and drink wearing enamel away.
- Gums that have receded and exposed the root.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, often at night.
- A cavity, a cracked tooth or a worn filling.
- Temporary sensitivity after whitening or a recent treatment.
What You Can Do at Home
A toothpaste made for sensitive teeth helps many people. It works gradually, so use it twice a day for at least two weeks before you judge it.
After brushing, spit out the excess but don't rinse, so the active ingredients stay on your teeth. Switch to a soft brush and gentle circles, and wait about 30 minutes after acidic food before you brush.
When to See a Dentist
See your dentist if the sensitivity lasts, gets worse, or centers on one particular tooth. A lingering ache after something hot or cold, or pain when you bite, can point to a cavity, a crack or a problem with the nerve.
These need treatment rather than toothpaste.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Depending on the cause, your dentist may apply a protective varnish or sealant, replace a worn filling, or cover an exposed root. If you grind your teeth, protecting them at night makes a real difference.
