Sensitive Teeth: Why They Hurt and What Helps

What does tooth sensitivity feel like?

Tooth sensitivity is a sudden, sharp twinge when something hot, cold, sweet or sour touches a tooth. The feeling usually fades quickly once the trigger is gone.

A brief twinge now and then is usually not serious. Pain that lingers for more than 30 seconds after something hot or cold is different. It often means the nerve inside the tooth has been damaged by deep decay or an injury, and it should be checked soon.

If one tooth hurts much more than the others, or the pain is constant, our toothache guide may help you sort out what’s going on.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Most sensitivity happens when dentin loses its protective covering. Dentin is the layer under your enamel, and when it’s exposed, hot, cold, sweet and sour foods can reach the nerve more easily. Common causes include:

• Worn enamel from brushing too hard, using a hard brush, grinding your teeth, or frequent acidic foods and drinks like citrus, tomatoes, pickles and tea.
• Receding gums that expose the root surface, often linked to gum disease or brushing too hard. Our bleeding gums guide covers early gum disease.
• Cavities and worn fillings that leave part of the tooth unprotected.
• Cracked or chipped teeth. See our guide to a broken or chipped tooth.
• Whitening products, which can increase sensitivity for some people.
• Recent dental work, such as a filling or cleaning, which can cause short-term sensitivity.

How do I calm sensitive teeth at home?

For mild sensitivity, a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth and gentler brushing are the first things to try.

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste every day. These contain ingredients that help block the sensation from reaching the nerve. It usually takes several uses before you notice a difference.
• Dab a little on the sore spot. Cleveland Clinic suggests putting a small amount of desensitizing toothpaste on the sensitive area before bed.
• Switch to a soft-bristled brush and brush gently. Soft bristles are less likely to wear enamel or push gums back.
• Use fluoride products to help strengthen your enamel.
• Cut back on acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda and some juices.
• Protect against grinding. If you clench or grind, ask your dentist about a mouth guard.

Is it normal for teeth to be sensitive after whitening or a filling?

Yes, short-term sensitivity after whitening or dental work is common, and it often fades on its own.

After a filling or other treatment, the nerve inside the tooth can be irritated for a while. The usual advice is to give it two to four weeks. If the sensitivity lasts longer or gets worse, have the tooth checked.

Some whitening products can make teeth more sensitive. If you’re thinking about teeth whitening and your teeth are already sensitive, talk with our team first. If sensitivity started with a store-bought whitening product, check with a dentist before you keep using it.

How does a dentist treat sensitive teeth?

A dentist treats sensitivity by finding the cause and protecting the exposed part of the tooth. The dentist will check for cavities, cracks, worn fillings and gum recession, and may take X-rays. Depending on what’s found, options include:

• Fluoride varnish or gel applied in the office to strengthen enamel and reduce sensation.
• Bonding or a sealant to cover exposed root surfaces.
• A filling, crown or inlay to repair decay or a flaw. Learn about tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns.
• A gum graft when gum tissue has pulled away from the root.
• Root canal treatment for severe sensitivity that won’t go away with other treatments. Read about root canal treatment.

When should I worry about sensitive teeth?

Call a dentist when sensitivity lingers, is sharp, sticks to one tooth, or keeps coming back even with a sensitive toothpaste. Sensitivity can be an early sign of a cavity, gum disease or a cracked tooth, and those problems are easier to treat early.

Also call promptly if a tooth hurts when you bite down, or if you notice swelling in your gums near a sensitive tooth. Constant, severe pain with gum swelling can mean an infection. Our tooth abscess guide lists the warning signs.

How can I prevent sensitive teeth?

Protecting your enamel and your gums is the key to preventing sensitivity. Good daily care does most of the work.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, using a gentle touch.
• Floss or clean between your teeth every day.
• Limit acidic foods and drinks.
• Wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth.
• Keep up with regular cleanings and checkups, so problems like cavities, cracks and gum recession are caught early.

Questions & answers

Common questions