What Causes Tooth Sensitivity And How To Treat It

Published: 20 April 2023

Author: Penny Meadow Dental

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it isn’t always due to cavities or tooth decay. You can experience pain or sensitivity with no visible cause and this can often prevent you from enjoying hot or cold foods and drink.

Whether it is one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth, hypersensitivity can be an issue that can result in an uncomfortable or often painful feeling, however, there are several steps you can take to help reduce the effects of tooth sensitivity.

The most common way people feel sensitivity in their teeth is when eating or drinking cold foods and beverages. Whether this is ice cream, an iced drink or just cold water, it can cause painful sensations in the tooth.

There are several reasons why this could be happening. One is that the outer enamel layer of the tooth has worn down over time, due to brushing too aggressively, grinding your teeth, or from consuming food and drink which are highly acidic regularly.

All of these can contribute to weakening the enamel, which in turn causes more of the inner tooth to be exposed which can cause mild to severe sensitivity.

The easiest way to ease sensitivity is to use toothpaste and toothbrush which specifically target sensitivity. A soft-bristled brush and a sensitive toothpaste will be less abrasive to the tooth.

Brushing without as much pressure will also help as it will protect your gums which can often contribute to pain and sensitivity.

Continued use of these products will help your teeth become less sensitive. If they don’t seem to help, you may also be able to get prescription toothpaste from your dentist.

Another option is using fluoride gel or desensitising agents which can help to strengthen the tooth and reduce the feeling of discomfort.