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# Sensitive Teeth: Causes and What Helps
- URL: https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/sensitive-teeth/
- Published: 2025-09-09T09:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T11:01:11.000Z
- Description: A short, sharp pain with something cold or sweet? Where sensitive teeth come from and what really helps.
- Author: Hassan Al-Johmani M.Sc.
- Tags: #t-prophylaxe-pflege-en, #lang-en, #ki-bild

A sip of cold water, a spoonful of ice cream – and a short, stabbing pain. Sensitive teeth are very common. Usually the cause is exposed dentine, whose fine tubules conduct stimuli directly to the nerve.

In short

Sensitive teeth are usually caused by exposed tooth necks (receding gums), wear from brushing too hard or grinding, acid damage (erosion) or tooth decay. Special toothpastes, fluoride varnishes at the practice, gentler brushing and treating the cause help. If the pain lasts a long time or throbs, the tooth should be examined.

## Possible causes

- [Receding gums](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/receding-gums/) and exposed tooth necks
- too much pressure and hard bristles when brushing
- acid from soft drinks, juices, fruit – brushing straight afterwards increases the wear
- grinding and clenching ([TMD](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/tmj-splint-therapy-nuremberg/))
- tooth decay, cracks, leaking fillings
- after whitening or professional cleaning (temporary)

![Glass of iced water with ice cubes, a hand flinches while drinking](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/content/images/size/w960/2026/10/rg-sensibel.webp)![](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/assets/img/eu-ai/ai-generated-white.svg)

Typical: a short, sharp pain with cold.

## What helps

Help 
1. **Brush gently**soft brush, little pressure, no abrasive toothpastes.
2. **Special toothpaste**for sensitive teeth, used regularly over weeks.
3. **Wait after acid**after juice or fruit, wait about 30 minutes before brushing.
4. **Fluoride varnish at the practice**seals the dentine tubules.
5. **Treat the cause**filling, splint or gum correction.

Read more
- [Gum lifting & recession coverage](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/gum-recession-treatment-nuremberg/)
- [Teeth grinding – what helps?](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/teeth-grinding-what-helps/)

Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via [online booking](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/book-appointment/) or by phone on [0911 554181](tel:+49911554181). You will find us at Hainstraße 25, 90461 Nürnberg (tram 6/10 to Scharrerstraße, patient parking via Scharrerstraße).

## Frequently asked questions

Is sensitivity a sign of tooth decay?

Sometimes. A short pain that passes immediately suggests exposed dentine. A lingering or throbbing pain can indicate inflammation of the nerve.

Does fluoride really help?

Yes, fluoride strengthens the enamel and can seal the tubules in the dentine.