Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Your teeth are sensitive because the protective enamel has worn down or your gums have receded, exposing the underlying dentine.
Dentine contains thousands of microscopic tubules connecting directly to the nerve inside your tooth, which is why hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances trigger sharp pain.
Around 1 in 3 adults in the UK experience tooth sensitivity at some point. That sudden jolt when you drink something cold isn't normal, and it's your teeth telling you something needs attention.
Experiencing painful sensitivity? Call Elegance Dental for Dentists in Hertfordshire on 01920 821579 or email info@elegancedental.co.uk to identify the cause and find lasting relief.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity happens when dentine becomes exposed, but several different issues can cause this exposure:
Enamel erosion – Acidic foods and drinks gradually dissolve your protective enamel layer. Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, wine, and citrus fruits are the main culprits.
If you sip these throughout the day, your enamel never gets chance to recover.
Aggressive brushing – Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush literally scrubs away enamel and damages gums. Many people think vigorous brushing cleans better, but it actually causes harm.
Gum recession – When gums pull away from teeth, the sensitive root surface becomes exposed. This happens naturally with age but accelerates dramatically if you have gum disease.
Tooth grinding – Grinding your teeth, especially at night, wears down enamel over time. Many people don't realise they're grinding until sensitivity develops or their dentist spots the damage.
Tooth decay – Cavities erode through enamel, exposing dentine and eventually the nerve. Sensitivity from decay usually starts mild but gets progressively worse.
Recent dental work – Teeth whitening, fillings, or crowns can cause temporary sensitivity. This typically resolves within a few days to weeks after treatment.
Cracked teeth – Even tiny cracks you can't see create pathways for temperature and substances to reach the nerve inside your tooth.
Is Tooth Sensitivity Serious?
It depends on the cause. Mild, temporary sensitivity after dental work usually isn't serious and resolves on its own. However, persistent sensitivity indicates an underlying problem that needs treatment.
Tooth sensitivity is your body's warning system. Ignoring it allows the underlying issues to worsen. What starts as minor enamel erosion can progress to severe decay or gum disease if left unaddressed.
The severity also matters. If sensitivity prevents you from eating or drinking normally, or if it's getting progressively worse, you need professional attention quickly.
Pain affecting only one or two teeth often indicates decay or cracks that require immediate treatment.
Can Tooth Sensitivity Go Away on Its Own?
Sometimes, but not usually. Temporary sensitivity after dental procedures typically resolves without treatment within a few weeks.
However, sensitivity caused by enamel erosion, gum recession, decay, or grinding won't improve without intervention.
These problems are progressive, meaning they continue getting worse until you address the underlying cause.
Using desensitising toothpaste might mask the symptoms temporarily, but it won't fix worn enamel or receding gums. You need professional treatment to stop the progression and prevent further damage.
Does Sensitive Toothpaste Actually Work?
Yes, desensitising toothpaste works for many people, but it takes time and consistent use.
These toothpastes contain compounds like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride that physically block the tubules in dentine. This prevents hot, cold, and sweet substances from reaching the nerve.
The blocking effect builds gradually, with most people noticing improvement after two weeks of twice-daily use.
For best results, apply the toothpaste directly to sensitive areas and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Some people also rub a small amount onto sensitive spots before bed.
The limitation is that sensitive toothpaste treats symptoms, not causes. It helps manage discomfort but doesn't repair worn enamel or treat gum disease. You still need to address why your teeth became sensitive in the first place.
How Can I Stop My Teeth Being Sensitive?
Stopping tooth sensitivity requires both immediate relief and addressing the root cause:
Immediate Relief
Switch to desensitising toothpaste – Use it twice daily consistently for at least two weeks. Apply extra to sensitive areas and leave it on briefly before rinsing.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – Replace any medium or hard brushes immediately. Use gentle circular motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing.
Avoid triggers temporarily – Identify what causes pain (hot drinks, cold foods, sweet items) and avoid them whilst you address the underlying problem.
Rinse with salt water – A warm salt water rinse can temporarily soothe sensitive teeth and reduce inflammation.
Long-Term Solutions
Reduce acidic foods and drinks – Cut back on fizzy drinks, fruit juices, wine, and citrus. When you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water immediately and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
Improve your brushing technique – Hold your toothbrush like a pen rather than a fist to reduce pressure. Let the bristles do the work gently. Brush for two minutes twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
Address tooth grinding – If you grind your teeth, get a custom night guard from your dentist. Over-the-counter guards don't fit properly and can worsen problems.
Treat gum disease – If your gums bleed when brushing or you've noticed recession, book a professional cleaning. Untreated gum disease will continue causing sensitivity.
Maintain regular dental check-ups – Six-monthly visits allow your dentist to catch problems early. Professional fluoride treatments can also strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
What Will My Dentist Do About Sensitive Teeth?
Your dentist will first identify what's causing your sensitivity through examination and potentially X-rays. Treatment depends entirely on the cause:
For enamel erosion – Fluoride varnish applications strengthen remaining enamel. Your dentist will also advise on dietary changes to prevent further damage.
For gum recession – Dental bonding applies tooth-coloured resin to exposed root surfaces, creating a protective barrier. Severe cases might need gum grafts.
For tooth decay – Fillings repair cavities and stop further erosion. The sooner decay is treated, the simpler and less expensive the treatment.
For worn enamel from grinding – A custom night guard prevents further wear whilst fluoride treatments help strengthen what remains.
For cracked teeth – Depending on severity, treatment ranges from bonding to crowns. Severe cracks might need root canal treatment.
For persistent severe sensitivity – If nothing else works, root canal treatment removes the nerve, eliminating pain permanently whilst preserving the tooth.
At Elegance Dental, we don't just mask sensitivity symptoms. We identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan that provides lasting relief whilst protecting your long-term oral health.
When Should I See a Dentist About Sensitive Teeth?
Book an appointment if you experience:
Sensitivity lasting more than two weeks despite using desensitising toothpaste
Pain severe enough to interfere with eating or drinking
Sensitivity affecting only one or two specific teeth (suggests decay or cracks)
Visible signs like gum recession, worn enamel, or dark spots
Sensitivity that's getting progressively worse
Pain accompanied by swelling, bad taste, or signs of infection
Even mild sensitivity deserves mention during your regular check-up. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming major problems requiring extensive treatment.
Don't wait until sensitivity becomes unbearable. The underlying causes are almost always progressive, meaning they worsen over time without treatment.
Struggling with tooth sensitivity? Contact Elegance Dental on 01920 821579 or email info@elegancedental.co.uk. We'll identify the cause and provide effective, lasting relief.
