Sensitive teeth to cold and heat: causes, home care and treatment
A sharp twinge with cold, heat, sweet or sour food that passes in a few seconds is most often caused by exposed dentine, after enamel wear or gum recession. Sensitive toothpaste brings clear relief for most people within 2–4 weeks. If the pain lingers, starts on its own or wakes you at night, you need an examination to check for decay or nerve inflammation.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Enamel on the crown, and the tissue covering the root, protect the dentine underneath. Dentine contains tiny channels that lead to the nerve, so when it is exposed, cold or sweet stimuli reach the nerve easily.
- A hard toothbrush and scrubbing sideways with pressure
- Gum recession exposing the root surface
- Enamel erosion from acidic drinks, frequent fruit juice or reflux
- Clenching and grinding
- A cracked tooth, decay or a leaking filling
- Temporary sensitivity after whitening, cleaning or crowns
Simple sensitivity or nerve inflammation?
How the pain starts and how long it lasts are important clues:
| What the pain is like | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| A sharp twinge with cold or sweet that passes in seconds | Exposed dentine (dentine hypersensitivity) |
| Pain lasting more than 30 seconds after the trigger is gone | Early inflammation of the nerve |
| Spontaneous, throbbing pain that wakes you at night | Advanced nerve inflammation; root canal treatment may be needed |
| Sudden pain when biting down and releasing | A cracked tooth or a high filling |
What helps sensitive teeth at home?
- Use a sensitive toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride or arginine twice a day; spit after brushing but do not rinse.
- At night you can dab a thin layer of the toothpaste onto the sensitive area with your finger.
- Switch to a soft brush and stop scrubbing sideways with force.
- Have acidic drinks with meals, and rinse with water afterwards rather than brushing straight away.
- Avoid abrasive whitening and charcoal toothpastes.
What treatments are available at the clinic?
- Fluoride varnish or special agents that seal the dentine channels
- Covering an exposed root surface with a white filling or bonding
- Gum treatment for advanced recession and, in suitable cases, a gum graft
- A night guard if you clench or grind
- Replacing decayed or failing fillings
- Root canal treatment as a last resort for severe sensitivity that does not respond to anything else
Sensitivity after whitening and crowns
Sensitivity lasting a few days after whitening is common and settles on its own. We explain how long sensitivity after a crown is normal in sensitivity after dental crowns.
At Dent32 in Beylikdüzü we find the cause of sensitivity through examination and, if needed, X-rays. If your symptoms have lasted several weeks, book an examination.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sensitive toothpaste take to work?
Usually 2–4 weeks with regular use. Sensitivity may come back if you stop using it.
Does tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
Sensitivity after whitening or cleaning passes in a few days. If a root surface is exposed or enamel is worn, it is unlikely to disappear for good unless the cause is treated.
Can a professional clean cause sensitivity?
Mild sensitivity for a few days after cleaning is possible, as surfaces previously covered by tartar are exposed. It eases quickly.
What does sensitivity in one tooth mean?
Sensitivity limited to one tooth usually points to decay, a crack or a problem with a filling, and needs an examination.
