A short, sharp twinge in the teeth when eating ice cream or breathing in cold air is very common. It usually goes with simple measures; still, it helps to know the cause.
How does sensitivity happen?
The visible part of the tooth is covered by enamel, and the root by a thin layer called cementum. Beneath both is dentine, made up of thousands of microscopic tubules that lead to the nerve. When enamel wears away or the gum recedes and exposes the root, these tubules open to the outside. Cold, heat, sweet, sour or the touch of a brush moves the fluid inside them and the nerve registers this as pain.
The most common causes
- Brushing too hard: A hard brush and firm horizontal scrubbing wear away enamel at the neck of the tooth and make the gum recede.
- Gum recession: The root surface is exposed as a result of gum disease or incorrect brushing.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Fizzy drinks, lemon, vinegar and fruit juices dissolve enamel.
- Clenching: Bruxism wears the enamel and creates notches at the neck of the teeth.
- Whitening: Temporary sensitivity lasting a few days can follow the procedure.
- After scaling: Short-lived sensitivity as surfaces covered by tartar are exposed.
Sensitivity or something else?
Sensitivity is a brief twinge that goes within seconds once the trigger is removed, and it usually affects several teeth. The following point to a different problem and need an examination:
- Pain focused on one tooth: could be decay, a crack or a faulty filling.
- Pain that lasts minutes after the trigger is removed: the nerve may be affected.
- Pain that starts by itself or wakes you at night: root canal treatment may be needed.
- Sharp pain on biting: suggests a cracked tooth or a high filling.
What can you do at home?
- Use a desensitising toothpastePastes containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride block the tubules or calm the nerve. They need two to four weeks of regular use to work.
- Do not rinse the paste awaySpit after brushing but do not rinse with water. Before bed you can rub a little paste onto the sensitive area with your finger and leave it.
- Change your brush and techniqueUse a soft brush and small circular movements without pressing.
- Cut down on acidic drinksIf you do have them, use a straw, drink water afterwards and wait at least half an hour before brushing.
- Avoid abrasive productsBaking soda, charcoal toothpastes and highly abrasive whitening pastes make sensitivity worse.
Treatments in the clinic
- Fluoride varnish and desensitising agents: Applied to the sensitive surface to block the tubules.
- Fillings: Notch-shaped wear at the neck of the tooth is covered with a composite filling.
- Gum treatment: If the recession is caused by gum disease, that is treated first; in suitable cases the exposed root can be covered with gum surgery.
- Night guard: Protects the teeth if clenching is the cause.
Frequently asked questions
Does tooth sensitivity go away by itself?
Sensitivity after whitening or cleaning passes by itself within a few days. Sensitivity from wear and gum recession continues unless the cause is dealt with.
Can I use desensitising toothpaste all the time?
Yes, long-term use is safe. But the paste only suppresses the symptom; if there is no relief within two to four weeks, have an examination to find the underlying cause.
Do electric toothbrushes cause sensitivity?
Not when used correctly. Models with a pressure sensor warn you when you press too hard and help prevent gum recession.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you have a complaint, please see your dentist.