Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by exposed dentine - the layer beneath the enamel - which lets temperature and sweetness reach the nerve. Common causes are worn enamel, receding gums, grinding and acid erosion. A short sharp twinge that settles quickly is typical of sensitivity. Pain that lingers, throbs or wakes you suggests something more and should be checked.
Why teeth become sensitive
Under the enamel sits dentine, which is full of microscopic tubules running towards the nerve. When enamel wears away or the gum recedes, those tubules are exposed and stimuli travel straight down them.
- Enamel worn by grinding or overly hard brushing
- Acid erosion from fizzy drinks, citrus, wine, or reflux
- Receding gums exposing the softer root surface
- A cracked tooth or a failing filling
- Recent dental treatment - usually temporary and settles
- Whitening - common during treatment, and it resolves afterwards
What helps
- Desensitising toothpaste, used consistently - it takes a few weeks, not a few days
- A soft brush and lighter pressure
- Cutting back on acidic food and drink
- Waiting an hour after anything acidic before brushing - enamel is temporarily softened
- A night guard if grinding is the cause
- Fluoride varnish or bonding applied at the practice for stubborn areas
When sensitivity is telling you something else
Ordinary sensitivity is a short sharp twinge that stops as soon as the trigger is removed. Pain that lingers for many seconds after something hot, or that throbs on its own, or that wakes you at night, points at the nerve rather than the dentine - and that needs looking at rather than a different toothpaste.
See a dentist if
- Pain lingers well after the hot or cold thing has gone
- One specific tooth is much worse than the others
- The tooth aches on its own, or wakes you at night
- Sensitivity started suddenly rather than gradually
- You can see a chip, crack, hole or dark spot
- Desensitising toothpaste has made no difference after a few weeks
We're in central Queenstown and keep room for emergencies. Call 03 441 8248.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Reviewed by Dr Adrian Paul, BDS (Otago), principal dentist at Lakeside Dental Practice. If you're worried about a specific problem, see a dentist.
