Sensitive Teeth (Dentine Hypersensitivity)

What Causes Sensitive Teeth

Sensitivity develops when the dentinal tubules become exposed. There are several routes by which this can happen.

Enamel loss is among the most frequent. The enamel covering the crown of the tooth can be worn away through tooth abrasion from aggressive brushing technique or a hard-bristled toothbrush, or through enamel erosion caused by repeated exposure to dietary acids from citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, or acid reflux. Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, can also grind away enamel over time.

Gum recession is another common pathway. When the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, the root surface — which is covered by cementum rather than enamel and is therefore less protected — becomes exposed. Gum disease, aggressive brushing, or a naturally thin gum tissue type can all lead to recession.

Other contributing factors include:

• Cavities or cracked teeth that create pathways to the dentine
• Tooth whitening treatments, which can cause temporary sensitivity in some patients
• Recent dental procedures such as fillings or crown placement — sensitivity around a treated tooth often resolves within a few weeks
• Worn or leaking dental fillings that no longer seal the tooth effectively

Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth

The defining symptom is a brief, sharp pain triggered by a specific stimulus. It arrives quickly, peaks almost immediately, and typically resolves within seconds to a minute once the trigger is removed.

Common triggers include:

• Cold food and drinks — ice, cold water, chilled fruit
• Hot beverages such as tea or coffee
• Sweet or acidic foods and drinks
• Cold air, particularly when breathing through the mouth
• Brushing or flossing in the affected area

Sensitivity that is spontaneous, meaning it occurs without any obvious trigger, or that lingers for more than a minute after the trigger is removed, is a different pattern and may indicate a deeper issue such as an inflamed or damaged nerve. This type of pain warrants prompt dental attention rather than self-management.

Why Sensitive Teeth Should Not Be Left Untreated

Many patients tolerate sensitive teeth for years, adjusting their habits — avoiding cold drinks, switching to sensitive toothpastes, eating on one side — without ever identifying the cause. This approach manages the symptom but not the underlying problem.

Enamel does not regenerate. If the cause of sensitivity is ongoing enamel wear, acid erosion, or untreated bruxism, the damage continues to accumulate. What begins as minor sensitivity can progress to deeper dentine exposure, nerve involvement, or structural damage that ultimately requires more involved treatment.

Gum recession, if driven by gum disease or persistent mechanical trauma, will also continue to worsen without intervention. Addressing it early is far simpler than managing advanced recession.

A dentist examining sensitive teeth is not simply treating the pain — they are identifying which of several possible causes is active, so it can be stopped before it advances further.

How Sensitive Teeth Is Treated

Treatment is matched to the underlying cause. There is no single fix that applies to every case, which is why a proper diagnosis comes first.

Desensitizing Agents

For mild to moderate sensitivity where the cause is exposed dentinal tubules, desensitizing agents are the first line of management. These work by either blocking the tubules or stabilising the nerve response. In-clinic fluoride varnishes and desensitizing pastes applied by a dental professional provide more concentrated relief than over-the-counter products. Patients may also be advised to use a desensitizing toothpaste at home as part of their daily routine.

Addressing Enamel Wear and Erosion

Where sensitivity stems from enamel loss due to bruxism, a custom-made occlusal splint can protect the remaining enamel from further grinding damage overnight. Dietary advice to reduce the frequency of acidic food and drink contact can also help slow the erosive process.

Gum Recession Treatment

When exposed root surfaces are the primary driver, gum recession treatment may be recommended. Depending on the extent of recession, this can range from a change in brushing technique and instrument to a soft tissue grafting procedure carried out by a Specialist Periodontist.

Restorative Treatment

Where the cause is a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a failing restoration, restoring the tooth with a dental filling or crown addresses the sensitivity by sealing off the exposed pathway to the dentine.

Root Canal Treatment

In cases where the nerve itself has become inflamed or damaged and sensitivity is severe or persistent, root canal treatment may be indicated. This removes the affected nerve tissue and resolves the sensitivity at its source.

Professional Cleaning

Plaque and calculus build-up around the gum line can contribute to gum inflammation and recession. A professional clean, including Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), removes biofilm and deposits that home brushing cannot reach, supporting gum health and reducing a key driver of sensitivity.

Can Sensitive Teeth Be Prevented

Not all sensitivity is preventable, but several habits meaningfully reduce the risk of developing it or slow its progression.

• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle, circular motions — not a scrubbing action along the gum line
• Use a fluoride toothpaste formulated for daily enamel protection
• Limit the frequency of acidic food and drink rather than eliminating it entirely — rinsing with water after acidic foods is helpful; brushing immediately after is not, as enamel is temporarily softened by acid
• If you grind or clench your teeth, speak to a dentist about a protective splint before enamel damage accumulates
• Attend regular professional cleaning appointments — early signs of gum recession or enamel wear can be identified and managed before they trigger sensitivity
• If you are considering teeth whitening, discuss your sensitivity history with your dentist beforehand so the approach can be tailored accordingly