Sensitive Teeth: Causes and What Helps
A short, sharp pain with something cold or sweet? Where sensitive teeth come from and what really helps.
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.
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 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)
- tooth decay, cracks, leaking fillings
- after whitening or professional cleaning (temporary)
What helps
Help- Brush gentlysoft brush, little pressure, no abrasive toothpastes.
- Special toothpastefor sensitive teeth, used regularly over weeks.
- Wait after acidafter juice or fruit, wait about 30 minutes before brushing.
- Fluoride varnish at the practiceseals the dentine tubules.
- Treat the causefilling, splint or gum correction.
Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via online booking or by phone on 0911 554181. 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.
This article is a translation of our German guide and does not replace a personal examination and consultation. If you have symptoms, please see a dentist – for example at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter in Nuremberg.
