Sensitive teeth: causes and treatments
That sharp pain when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee has a name, and it has solutions.
Tooth sensitivity (dentinal hypersensitivity) affects around 1 in 8 adults. It occurs when the dentine beneath your enamel becomes exposed, leaving tiny channels open to the nerve.
Common causes
- Enamel erosion from acidic foods and drinks
- Gum recession exposing the root surface
- Over-brushing or brushing too hard
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Tooth whitening treatments
- Cracked or chipped teeth
What helps
Desensitising toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride work by blocking the dentinal tubules or calming the nerve. They need consistent use for 2–4 weeks to build effect. They're not instant.
Fluoride varnish applied in-practice can provide significant and longer-lasting relief. If sensitivity is severe or localised to one tooth, see your dentist to rule out a cracked tooth or cavity.
What doesn't help
Avoiding the problem. Left untreated, the underlying cause (usually erosion or recession) will progress.
