I need help with sensitive teeth

Find out why your teeth are sensitive and how to get relief from the pain

Sensitive teeth can make mealtimes a minefield and cause you to avoid some of your favourite foods.

How do I know I have sensitive teeth?

A classic sign of sensitive teeth is a sudden shooting pain when you eat or drink something that is hot, cold, sugary, or acidic. For example, eating ice cream, biting into a cold apple, drinking coffee, sucking a lolly, or drinking orange juice could cause you discomfort. Sometimes the pressure of chewing will trigger pain in a sensitive tooth. If your teeth are very sensitive, you might even experience pain when breathing, as the cool air travels over your teeth.

Why do I have sensitive teeth?

The most common reason for tooth sensitivity is that your dentine has become exposed. Dentine is the layer of your tooth directly below the enamel coating. Plaque build-up, tooth decay, brushing too hard, grinding your teeth, receding gums, chips or cracks in your teeth, and the overuse of harsh whitening products can all result in exposed dentine and tooth sensitivity. Sometimes your teeth will feel sensitive for a short time after a dental treatment, but this should be temporary.

What treatments are available for sensitive teeth?

We have a range of treatments that will help you eat your favourite foods without the pain of sensitive teeth.

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Common questions about sensitive teeth

  • A lot of people suffer from sensitive teeth. Research suggests that it is more common between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can affect people outside of that age range too. Women are more likely to report tooth sensitivity, which may be related to the fact that more women than men use whitening products.

  • You likely have exposed dentine on one or more teeth. It normally occurs where your teeth meet your gums because the enamel there is thinner. Your sensitivity could be the result of enamel erosion from acidic food or drink, overbrushing, gum recession, gum disease, a damaged filling, or a chip in the enamel from biting on something hard.

  • There are special toothpaste products designed for sensitive teeth which will help to ease the discomfort. Brush gently with a soft brush, and if you are very cold sensitive, use tepid water. Try to limit the amount of acidic and sugary foods and drinks in your diet. Be sure to get the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth checked in case it requires professional dental treatment.

  • A good oral hygiene routine using the right tools will help to prevent many of the problems that cause sensitive teeth, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Get your teeth checked by the dentist and visit the oral therapist regularly – they will be able to spot potential causes of sensitive teeth and treat them before they cause you pain.

  • New tooth sensitivity that lasts for more than a couple of days, or that returns repeatedly, should be checked by your dentist to find the underlying cause. Even if a sensitive toothpaste alleviates the pain, be sure to mention it to your dentist because the toothpaste might be masking a more serious dental problem.

  • The cost of treating sensitive teeth depends on the cause. You may just need a change of toothbrush, toothpaste, or whitening product. You could need more extensive treatment like a crown to fix a cracked tooth or sealants to cover exposed roots. Once we’ve worked out what’s causing your sensitive teeth, we can give you a quote for your treatment.