A sharp twinge from cold air or a sip of tea is very common. This guide explains what causes sensitive teeth, what helps and when to see a dentist.
Key points
- Sensitive teeth (dentine hypersensitivity) cause a sharp, short twinge from cold, hot, sweet or sour food and drink, or from brushing.1
- Common causes are tooth wear, receding gums, decay and cracks, recent dental work, gum disease and grinding.
- A desensitising toothpaste used twice a day is the first step, and gentle brushing and care with acidic food and drink help.3
- Dentists can apply treatments to the sensitive areas, cover exposed roots with bonding or fillings, and provide a night guard if you grind.
- See a dentist if sensitivity does not ease after a few weeks, if pain lasts for minutes or wakes you at night, or you see a hole or crack.
Dentine hypersensitivity, the medical name for sensitive teeth, causes pain and discomfort and affects quality of life.1 It is common, often under-diagnosed and usually treatable. A panel of Indian dentists, after a survey of 3,000 dentists found under-diagnosis and gaps in treatment, advised screening every patient with teeth for exposed dentine, and starting management with the simplest approach, a desensitising toothpaste.1
What happens in a sensitive tooth
The outer layer of a tooth, the enamel, protects the softer dentine beneath. Dentine contains tiny channels that lead to the nerve. When dentine is exposed, cold, hot, sweet or sour things, or a toothbrush, can set off a sharp, short twinge.12
Common causes
Tooth wear. Enamel and then dentine are lost through brushing too hard, acidic food and drink, or grinding. Tooth wear, where enamel and then dentine are lost, is one cause, and gums that have shrunk back can expose the root surface in the same way.2
Receding gums. The root surface has no enamel, so exposed roots are sensitive.
Decay and cracks. A cavity or a cracked tooth can cause sensitivity, and our guide to cavities explains why.
Recent dental work. Fillings, whitening and professional cleaning can cause short-lived sensitivity.
Gum disease, which can expose root surfaces as gums shrink.
Teeth grinding. Grinding wears enamel and can crack teeth.
Symptoms
- A sharp, short twinge from cold, hot, sweet or sour food and drink, or from brushing.1
- Gums that have shrunk back from the teeth, or teeth that look worn.2
- Pain that fades quickly when the trigger is removed.
If the pain lingers for minutes, wakes you at night or happens without a trigger, it may have another cause, and you should see a dentist. The NHS lists a cracked or damaged tooth, decay and a loose or broken filling among the common causes of toothache.6
What helps at home
Use a desensitising toothpaste twice a day. In a network meta-analysis of 32 studies, twice-daily toothpaste containing stannous, potassium with or without stannous, or arginine can be recommended.3 In a review of 53 trials, toothpastes with active ingredients beat toothpaste without them, except those with strontium or amorphous calcium phosphate, which the authors did not advise.4 The trials looked at short-term effects, so ask your dentist what to expect and see them if it does not ease.3
Brush gently. Brushing too hard can wear the teeth and the gums, and worn teeth are a cause of sensitivity.2 Use a soft brush and a light touch.
Watch acidic food and drink. Frequent acidic food and drink can contribute to wear, so ask your dentist about your diet if your teeth are wearing.2
What the dentist can do
The dentist examines every tooth for exposed dentine, worn areas, receding gums, cracks and decay.1 Treatment can include:
- a desensitising toothpaste and advice on brushing;
- a treatment applied to the sensitive areas. Silver diamine fluoride solution reduced sensitivity by 23 to 56 percent after one application in four trials, though trials were few and varied;5
- a filling or bonding to cover an exposed root surface or repair wear. See our page on dental bonding;
- treatment of decay or a crack, and gum treatment if gums are inflamed;
- a night guard, if you grind your teeth.
The Indian recommendation advises combining home and in-office therapy, starting with the simplest desensitising toothpaste, and long-term maintenance.1 Easing the twinge without finding the cause may only hide it, and the European consensus on tooth wear recommends finding the cause, prevention and monitoring, and a minimally invasive approach if treatment is needed.2
The limits of the evidence
The toothpaste review judged the evidence for some toothpastes low or very low quality, and called for high-quality studies.4 The network meta-analysis called for standard methods in sensitivity trials.3 The silver diamine fluoride review included four trials with different protocols, and said more well-designed trials are needed.5 That does not mean treatments do not work, but it does mean that results vary, and you may need to try more than one approach.
Whitening and sensitivity
Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, ask your dentist before whitening, and see our comparison of conventional and laser whitening. Our page on sensitive teeth explains how we assess them.
When to see a dentist
See a dentist if:
- the sensitivity does not ease after a few weeks of using a desensitising toothpaste;
- the pain is intense, lasts for minutes or wakes you at night;
- you can see a hole, a crack or a broken filling;
- the NHS advises booking if toothache lasts more than two days or does not ease with painkillers.6
Using a desensitising toothpaste properly
These toothpastes work when they are used regularly, so technique and patience count.
- Brush twice a day with the toothpaste, as in the studies.3
- Use a soft brush and light pressure, and brush all the teeth, with extra time on the sensitive areas.
- Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse with water straight away, so some stays on the teeth.
- Give it a few weeks, since relief builds gradually.
- Keep using it, because the effect fades if you stop.
You can also place a small amount on a sensitive tooth at night and leave it, if your dentist suggests it. If a toothpaste does not help after a few weeks, ask the dentist about another type or an in-office treatment.
What in-office treatments are like
When toothpaste is not enough, a dentist can treat the sensitive areas directly. A varnish or solution is painted on the exposed dentine, which takes a few minutes and needs no anaesthetic. Silver diamine fluoride solution has been shown to reduce sensitivity, but it can leave a dark stain on any decayed area it touches, so ask about this first.4 An exposed root surface can be covered with a tooth-coloured bonding material, which takes a short visit and may need local anaesthetic.
The dentist may also treat decay, repair a broken filling or advise a night guard. Treatments often combine, and some people need repeated applications, so ask what to expect and how long relief usually lasts.
Is it sensitivity or something else?
| What you feel | What it may be |
|---|---|
| A short, sharp twinge to cold or sweet that fades quickly | Dentine sensitivity |
| Pain to hot that lingers for minutes | A tooth with an irritated or infected nerve |
| Pain on biting, especially on release | A crack or a high filling |
| A dull ache that wakes you at night | A deeper problem in the tooth |
| Pain in several teeth on one side | Possibly sinus problems or grinding |
| Pain with swelling or a bad taste | An infection, which needs prompt attention6 |
Only an examination can say which applies. If your pain does not fit the first row, see a dentist soon.
Myths and facts
Myth: sensitive teeth are just something you put up with. They are treatable, and the cause should be found.
Myth: harder brushing cleans better. It can wear the teeth and the gums.
Fact: a desensitising toothpaste needs regular use. It is the twice-daily use that was tested.3
Daily habits that protect sensitive teeth
- Use a soft brush, and hold it like a pen, so you press lightly.
- Wait about half an hour after acidic food or drink before brushing, so softened enamel is not scrubbed away.
- Rinse your mouth with water after acidic drinks.
- Use a straw for acidic drinks, if you can, to reduce contact with the teeth.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, because grinding wears enamel.
- Do not skip dental check-ups, so that wear and recession are caught early.
How the cause changes the treatment
| Cause | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Exposed root from receding gums | Desensitising toothpaste, gentle brushing, gum care, sometimes bonding |
| Worn enamel | Find the cause, protect the teeth, monitor, restore if needed2 |
| A cavity or broken filling | Filling or other repair |
| A crack | Assessment and often a crown |
| Grinding | Night guard and stress management |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a desensitising toothpaste to work?
It can take a few weeks of regular use, so do not expect an instant effect.3
Can sensitive teeth be a sign of something serious?
Usually not, but decay, a crack or an infection can cause similar symptoms, so a check-up is worthwhile.
Does sensitivity go away?
It often improves with treatment, but can return if the cause persists.
Can I whiten sensitive teeth?
Ask your dentist first, because whitening can cause temporary sensitivity.
Can sensitive teeth go away on their own?
Sometimes they settle, for example after whitening or a filling. If the cause is wear or receding gums, it usually continues unless you treat it, so a desensitising toothpaste and a check-up help.
Can I whiten sensitive teeth?
Ask your dentist first. Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, and your dentist may suggest treating the sensitivity before whitening or using a gentler method.
About the author
Dr Anupam Sinha, BDS, MDS – Orthodontics. BDS (2002), KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum. MDS in Orthodontics (2006), SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad. His thesis work won a national research award in 2005, and he holds a certification in aesthetic dentistry. He sees patients at Orion Dental Clinic in Greater Kailash 1, South Delhi. Read the full profile of Dr Anupam Sinha.
Sources
- Grover V, Kumar A, Jain A, Chatterjee A, Grover HS, Pandit N, et al. ISP good clinical practice recommendations for the management of dentin hypersensitivity. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 2022;26(4):307-333. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35959314/
- Loomans B, Opdam N, Attin T, Bartlett D, Edelhoff D, Frankenberger R, et al. Severe tooth wear: European consensus statement on management guidelines. Journal of Adhesive Dentistry, 2017;19(2):111-119. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28439579/
- Pollard AJ, Khan I, Davies M, Claydon N, West NX. Comparative efficacy of self-administered dentifrices for the management of dentine hypersensitivity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of Dentistry, 2023;130:104433. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36753794/
- Hu ML, Zheng G, Zhang YD, Yan X, Li XC, Lin H. Effect of desensitizing toothpastes on dentine hypersensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dentistry, 2018;75:12-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29787782/
- Chan AKY, Tsang YC, Yu OY, Lo ECM, Leung KCM, Chu CH. Clinical evidence for silver diamine fluoride to reduce dentine hypersensitivity: a systematic review. Journal of Dentistry, 2024;142:104868. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38301767/
- NHS website. Toothache (patient information). Page review date 1 July 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/
Medically reviewed by Dr Anupam Sinha, BDS, MDS – Orthodontics, on . General information for patients from Orion Dental Clinic, last updated 23 October 2026. It is not advice for one person, so ask a dentist what suits you. To report an error, contact us.