If a sip of cold water or a spoon of ice cream sends a sharp jolt through a tooth, you have dentine sensitivity. It happens when the hard enamel or the gum that normally protects the tooth wears away, exposing thousands of tiny tubes that lead straight to the nerve. The fix depends on the cause - so the first job is finding out why it is happening.
Common causes of tooth sensitivity
- Worn enamel from brushing too hard or with a hard brush
- Receding gums exposing the root surface
- Tooth grinding (bruxism) wearing down the biting surfaces
- A cavity, cracked tooth or a leaking old filling
- Acidic diet - citrus, soft drinks, frequent vinegar/pickles
- Short-term sensitivity after whitening or a recent filling
What you can do at home
Switch to a soft-bristled brush and a desensitising toothpaste (potassium nitrate based), and use a gentle, non-scrubbing technique. Cut back on acidic drinks, and don't brush immediately after acidic food - wait 30 minutes. These steps help mild cases within 2-4 weeks. If there is no improvement, the cause is likely structural and needs a dentist.
Professional treatment options
In the clinic we treat sensitivity at the source. Depending on the cause, that may be fluoride varnish or desensitising agents, a tooth-coloured filling to cover an exposed root or repair a cavity, a crown for a cracked tooth, gum treatment for recession, or a night guard if you grind. If the nerve is already inflamed, a root canal may be the only lasting solution. Most simple desensitising treatments are quick and inexpensive; we give a fixed quote once we know the cause.
When sensitivity is a warning sign
Sensitivity that lingers for more than a few seconds, wakes you at night, or comes with swelling usually means the nerve is involved - don't wait it out. If the pain is severe, read our guide on how to stop tooth pain at night and get seen promptly. We treat patients from Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Patparganj, Pandav Nagar, IP Extension, Karkardooma, Noida and Vaishali.
Sensitivity is your teeth asking for help early - it is far cheaper to fix now than to wait for it to become a bigger problem. Book a check-up and we will pinpoint the cause.