Symptoms · sensitive teeth
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth usually happen when the softer layer under the enamel, called dentine, is exposed, often from gum recession, worn enamel or hard brushing. Decay, a cracked tooth or a leaking filling can cause it too. A brief twinge can usually wait for a check-up. Pain that lingers should be seen soon: call Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows on (03) 9022 4442.
When is tooth sensitivity urgent?
Go to hospital or call 000
- Swelling in your face or neck that is spreading
- Tooth pain with trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever
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- Pain that lingers for more than a few seconds after hot or cold
- A tooth that throbs, wakes you up or hurts to bite on
- Sensitivity with a swollen gum or a pimple on the gum
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- A quick twinge with cold drinks that fades straight away
- Mild sensitivity across several teeth
- Sensitivity after a recent clean or whitening that is improving
What causes sensitive teeth?
Enamel covers the part of the tooth you can see, and gum covers the root. Underneath both is dentine, which has tiny channels leading towards the nerve. When dentine is exposed, hot, cold, sweet or acidic things can reach the nerve and cause a sharp twinge. Common reasons include:
- Gum recession, which exposes the root surface near the gum line.
- Worn enamel from brushing too hard, a hard toothbrush, or grinding.
- Acid wear from frequent soft drinks, juice, sports drinks or reflux.
- Tooth decay or a filling that is breaking down.
- A cracked tooth, which may also hurt when you bite.
- After dental treatment, such as a clean, a new filling or whitening, usually short term.
What can you do at home?
- Use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth every day, and spit rather than rinse.
- Switch to a soft toothbrush and brush gently, without scrubbing.
- Cut back on acidic drinks, and drink water afterwards. Wait before brushing after something acidic. The same rule applies after vomiting, which is why morning sickness can wear enamel if teeth are brushed straight away.
- Avoid very hot or very cold food and drink while teeth are sensitive.
- If you grind your teeth at night, mention it at your next check-up.
How does a dentist treat sensitivity?
The first step is working out the cause, because sensitivity from decay or a crack needs a different fix from sensitivity caused by gum recession. At Y3 Smiles Dental, your dentist will examine the teeth, check your gums and bite, and take x-rays if needed during a check-up and clean.
Depending on what we find, treatment might include a fluoride or desensitising application, covering an exposed root with tooth-coloured material, replacing a leaking filling, treating gum disease, or a night splint if you grind. If sensitivity is really a toothache, we'll look at the nerve.
Other questions people ask
Does toothpaste for sensitive teeth actually work?
For many people, yes. It needs to be used every day for a few weeks to build up its effect. Spit, don't rinse, after brushing so it stays on the teeth longer. If it doesn't help, see a dentist to check the cause.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?
Short-term sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening and usually settles. Let your dentist know if it doesn't.
Can sensitive teeth be a sign of something serious?
Usually it isn't, but sensitivity in one tooth that lingers, or comes with pain when biting, can be a sign of decay, a crack or an inflamed nerve. That is worth getting checked.
Why are my teeth sensitive after a clean?
Once tartar is removed from near the gum line, the tooth surface underneath can feel sensitive for a little while. It usually improves over a week or two.
Can grinding cause sensitive teeth?
Yes. Grinding and clenching can wear enamel and strain teeth, making them more sensitive.