Guide to Tooth Sensitivity

The following guide can help you understand tooth sensitivity, what causes it, how to prevent it, and what to do next.

 

What “Tooth Sensitivity” Means

Tooth sensitivity is a sharp, sudden “zing” or pain when your teeth touch things like cold drinks, hot coffee, sweet foods, sour foods, or even cold air. It often happens when the protective enamel wears down or the gums pull back and expose the more sensitive layer underneath.

What Tooth Sensitivity Feels Like

You might notice:

  • A quick, sharp pain with cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks
  • Pain when brushing or flossing
  • Sensitivity when breathing in cold air

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can come from different problems, including:

  • Worn enamel (often from hard brushing or acidic foods/drinks)
  • Receding gums (gum tissue pulls back and exposes the root area)
  • Tooth decay (cavities can trigger sensitivity)
  • Cracks or chips in a tooth
  • Grinding or clenching (wears teeth down over time)
  • Whitening products (often temporary sensitivity)
  • Recent dental treatment (can be temporary, but shouldn’t drag on)

Types of Tooth Sensitivity

Not all sensitivity is the same. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

  • Quick “zing” with cold/hot/sweet – often enamel wear or exposed dentin
  • Sensitivity that lingers for minutes or hours – may mean a deeper problem (like a nerve issue or infection)
  • Pain when biting or chewing – can point to a crack, loose filling, or decay
  • Strong pain and swelling- -may be infection/abscess and needs urgent care

Who’s at Higher Risk?

You may be more likely to deal with tooth sensitivity if you:

  • Brush too hard or use a hard-bristled brush
  • Have lots of acidic drinks/foods (soft drinks, energy drinks, citrus, etc.)
  • Grind or clench your teeth
  • Have gum disease or gum recession
  • Use whitening products often

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

At home

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush
  • Use gentle technique (don’t “scrub” your teeth)
  • Clean between teeth daily (floss or interdental brushes)
  • Keep acidic drinks to mealtimes; sip water between
  • If you grind at night, ask about a custom splint/night guard

In the clinic

Guide to Tooth Sensitivity

Things You Can Do at Home to Improve Tooth Sensitivity

If your sensitivity is mild, these often help:

  • Switch to a desensitising toothpaste and use it daily (give it a couple of weeks)
  • Use a soft brush and lighten pressure
  • Pause whitening products until your teeth settle
  • Avoid very acidic foods/drinks for a short time
  • If pain lingers or worsens, don’t “push through it”—book in

How Dentists Fix Tooth Sensitivity

Treatment depends on the cause:

If enamel is worn or dentin is exposed

  • Fluoride or desensitising treatments to calm the tooth

If there’s a cavity or leaking filling

  • A filling or restoration to seal the tooth

If there’s a crack or weakened tooth

  • A stronger restoration (sometimes an inlay/onlay or crown) to protect it

If grinding/clenching is the driver

  • A custom splint/night guard to reduce wear and strain

If the nerve is inflamed or infected

When to Book an Appointment

Book in sooner if you have:

  • Sensitivity that lingers (minutes or hours)
  • Pain in one specific tooth, or pain when biting
  • Swelling, a bad taste, or signs of infection
  • You’re overdue for a check-up and clean

Tip: Early care is simpler, more comfortable, and more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Cavities can cause sensitivity, but so can enamel wear, gum recession, grinding, or whitening.

Cold can travel through exposed areas and trigger the nerve response inside the tooth.

A desensitising fluoride toothpaste is a common first step for mild sensitivity.

Yes—whitening can trigger sensitivity, and it’s often temporary. If it doesn’t improve, you should get checked.

That can be a clue for something local (like a cavity, crack, or a loose filling). It’s worth checking early.

If you have swelling, severe pain, or signs of infection (possible abscess), call as soon as possible.

 Ready to Start?

If you’re in the Browns Plains or Brisbane area and dealing with tooth sensitivity, we can find the cause and help you get comfortable again. Call Choice Dental on (07) 3809-3320 or book online.