Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Assessment and Treatment

A brief response to cold and a tooth that aches long after a drink are not necessarily the same problem. Sensitivity may involve exposed dentin, gum recession, decay, a crack or a worn restoration. The cause must be assessed before selecting treatment.

Note the affected area, triggers, duration and any recent whitening or dental work. Tell the dentist about grinding, acidic drinks and brushing habits. Do not assume every sensitive tooth only needs a different toothpaste.

After assessment, care may include a desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride, improved technique or a restoration to repair an identified defect. Recession or gum disease may need its own management. Pulp treatment is considered only when the diagnosis supports it, not for every brief cold sensation.

Use a soft brush and gentle pressure; ask about fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth. Avoid repeatedly testing the tooth with very cold or hot items. Discuss whitening if it causes symptoms rather than continuing through pain.

Contact your dentist for new, persistent, localised or worsening sensitivity, pain on biting, lingering pain or a broken tooth. Swelling, fever or severe pain requires earlier advice. Difficulty breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency; do not wait a week to see whether toothpaste resolves it.

Patient education, not an individual diagnosis or a claim of clinical review. Treatment and availability must be confirmed with your selected office.