Tooth sensitivity can affect various aspects of your daily life, from eating hot and cold foods, to brushing your teeth1.
When the outer layer covering your tooth, known as the enamel, wears away, it exposes the sensitive layer beneath your tooth’s surface1. This can cause you to experience pain when biting into foods1.
The good news is, teeth sensitivity can often be improved with simple lifestyle changes2. Read on as we explore what causes sensitive teeth in more detail, and how to help sensitive teeth.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Tooth sensitivity happens when the protective layer on your teeth (the enamel) wears down3. This exposes tiny tubes in the dentin that lead to your tooth’s nerve3. Once the dentin is exposed, food and drink can irritate the tooth's nerve centre and cause pain.
Tooth sensitivity could also be a sign of wider dental problems such as cavities/tooth decay, gum disease or a cracked tooth3. Here are some other possible causes of tooth sensitivity:
Receding gums
This is when your gums pull away from the tooth, exposing the root surface. Like dentin, the roots of your teeth have lots of tiny holes (tubules) which can expose food and drink to get to the nerves inside your teeth.
Brushing too hard
We might think we’ve mastered the art of brushing our teeth by the time we're adults. But using the wrong technique or brushing too vigorously could cause problems.
If you wear out toothbrushes quickly (i.e. one toothbrush lasts you less than three months), you're probably brushing too hard or using the wrong technique. This could be wearing down your enamel and contributing to teeth sensitivity.
Grinding your teeth
Lots of people grind their teeth when they’re stressed. This often occurs without them even realising, such as during sleep.
Tooth grinding can cause severe damage to your teeth, impacting your overall oral health.
If you grind or clench your teeth too much, your teeth may start to flex and crack. This can expose the nerves inside your teeth and lead to sensitivity. Clenching your teeth tightly can also have the same effect.
Using teeth whitening treatments
Some teeth whitening products contain baking soda and/or peroxide, which can erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. Sensitive teeth after whitening treatments are usually a short-term issue, but this can last up to several weeks.
It’s best to speak to your dentist before undergoing any cosmetic whitening treatment. They'll be able to advise if this is likely to worsen or exacerbate any existing sensitivity.
Gum disease
Tooth sensitivity may also be a sign of gum disease, though this is not as common as other causes3.
Gum disease (also known as gingivitis) can be caused by plaque build-up around your gum line. Pockets can form around the base of your teeth, making it challenging to keep the area clean and free of bacteria.
This becomes a vicious cycle, as the bacteria produce acid, worsening your sensitivity and forming plaque, causing your gums to deteriorate further.
Age
In some cases, gum recession happens naturally as we get older. This can cause the roots of our teeth to become more exposed. As they're not protected by enamel, this can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Acidic and sugary foods and drinks
Many of our favourite foods and drinks can slowly wear down the enamel on our teeth, exposing the layer beneath and causing teeth sensitivity. Common culprits include:
Sugary drinks
Citric fruits
Fruit drinks
Sour foods
Alcohol
Sweets
Tomatoes
Pickles.
Cracked teeth or worn fillings
Bacteria and plaque can get through the openings created by worn fillings or cracks in the surface of your teeth. This can cause further pain and inflammation, which may also feel like sensitivity.
Sensitive teeth symptoms
Symptoms of sensitive teeth can range from mild discomfort to a sharp, shooting pain2. This can occur in one tooth, a handful of teeth, or all of them2. The sensitivity may come and go2.
In most cases, sensitive tooth pain is temporary, but if the pain lasts longer than a few minutes, or seems to happen spontaneously, you may need a trip to the dentist.
Tooth sensitivity can also be trigged when you:
Consume hot or cold food and drinks
Your enamel acts like a coat, shielding the dentin below your tooth from cold temperatures. But when the enamel wears down, this can make your tooth sensitive to cold.
Very hot food and drink can have a similar effect. Heat can cause pain when it touches the nerve endings in your skin. The exposed nerves in your teeth act in a similar way, causing the tooth to become sensitive to heat.
Bite down
If your teeth feel sensitive when you bite down, this could be a sign of an underlying dental condition such as:
Tooth decay. Often caused by excessive sugary food and drink and poor dental hygiene4.
An abscess. A buildup of pus in the teeth or gums, caused by an infection5.
Enamel erosion. A loss of tooth enamel, usually caused by acidic foods and drinks6.
Broken teeth. Chipped, cracked or broken teeth7. This can be caused by an accidental hit on the mouth, or biting on a hard piece of food.
Root canal infection. Can develop after a root canal procedure8. Though this is quite rare8.
These conditions need to be checked by a dentist. If you experience pain regularly when chewing, be sure to schedule an appointment.
Experience changes in temperature
It’s not just food and drink that can trigger tooth sensitivity. Breathing in cold air through your mouth can also affect nerves that are exposed, causing a sharp, shooting pain. You may notice your tooth sensitivity flares up during the winter, when the temperature starts to get cooler.
How to stop sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth can often improve with simple lifestyle changes2. Sensitive teeth can also be temporary, especially if they’ve been triggered by recent dental procedures3.
There are lots of things you can do at home to help sensitive teeth2. If your sensitive teeth don’t get better after a few weeks of home treatments, make an appointment to see your dentist2, as this could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as a cavity or gum disease3.
From simple hacks to working closely with your dentist, here are some top ways to help ease teeth sensitivity:
Use mouthwash and toothpaste specially formulated for sensitivity.
Some dental products contain acids that can make your tooth sensitivity worse3. So, it can be a good idea to speak to your dentist about gentler products3.
LISTERINE® Advanced Enamel & Sensitivity Protection Mouthwash provides relief from teeth sensitivity pain, and is clinically proven to prevent enamel erosion.
Maintain good dental hygiene – brush and floss regularly
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine helps keep your mouth healthy, and can reduce the impact of teeth sensitivity.
Try brushing in small circular motions at a 45-degree angle. This can cause less abrasion than brushing side to side. It’s also important to make sure you’re flossing daily, as this can help protect your teeth3.
Avoid sugary and acidic food and drinks
Food and drink that contains high acid levels can erode your enamel over time. Reducing your intake of fizzy drinks, alcohol, and sugary snacks can give your sensitive teeth a break and prevent the problem from getting worse. Instead, try snacking on foods that are high in calcium, such as:
Cheese
Milk
Plain yoghurt.
These can help strengthen and keep your teeth healthy9. High-fibre fruits and vegetables are another great option for both your teeth and your general health.
Try not to brush too hard
Brushing your teeth too hard with a stiff or old toothbrush can cause abfractions1. Try switching to a brush with softer bristles and apply less pressure to avoid wearing away your enamel. A softer brush may also cause less irritation and damage to the delicate gum tissue around the roots of your teeth.
It’s also important to make sure you’re changing your toothbrush regularly (every three months)1.
Stop grinding and clenching your teeth
Because most people grind their teeth in their sleep (often without even knowing), it can be hard to stop. However, reducing your stress levels by practising mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or yoga, may help with teeth grinding.
If that doesn't work, you can speak to your dentist about creating a mouth guard, splint, or having a muscle relaxant injection. A mouth guard can help protect your teeth while you sleep1. If your problems persist, you may need dental work to change the position of your teeth.
Take a break from teeth whitening treatments
Some people may experience sensitive teeth after whitening, so reducing the frequency of whitening treatments could help protect and preserve your enamel. Speak to your dentist if you're unsure about the impact teeth whitening products might have on your teeth, and consider taking a break if you notice any discomfort or pain.
Contact your dentist
If you notice any new or persistent pain in your teeth, arrange a visit to your dentist. They can check for any signs of:
Cracked teeth
Enamel erosion
Worn fillings
Receding gums
Gum disease issues.
Your dentist can also help you determine the cause of the sensitivity, and help you find relief3.
How Listerine can help with teeth sensitivity
LISTERINE® Advanced Enamel & Sensitivity Protection Mouthwash is clinically proven to prevent enamel erosion and treat tooth sensitivity.
LISTERINE® Advanced White Milder Taste Mouthwash removes tough stains for whiter teeth in just one week, offering an alternative solution to teeth whitening procedures.
LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment Mouthwash is clinically proven to treat gum disease, which can cause teeth sensitivity.
Teeth sensitivity: FAQs
Teeth sensitivity is usually a sharp pain in response to cold air, or hot, cold, sweet or sour food and drinks. If you’re experiencing pain that is more severe and more constant, chances are it’s a different kind of mouth pain, so it’s important to visit your dentist.
Some teeth whitening treatments contain chemicals that can wear away your enamel with repeated use. Speak to your dentist for more information on protecting your teeth after whitening to reduce sensitivity. You could also try using a toothpaste or mouthwash specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These products can help plug the holes in your dentin or enamel and restrict the impact of triggers like food, drink, and air on your sensitive teeth.
If you experience sensitivity when chewing, you may have an underlying dental problem, such as a cracked tooth, cavity, or abscess. If you have tooth pain that doesn't ease in a few days, make sure you see a dentist to ensure any problems are caught as soon as possible.
Every pregnancy is different, but it's not unusual for pregnancy hormones to make your gums more vulnerable to plaque. As plaque builds up around your gum line, the bacteria in your mouth can produce more acid, eroding your enamel, leading to teeth sensitivity. A build-up of plaque may also cause inflammation and bleeding, commonly known as pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease, which can cause sensitivity.
Your teeth can be sensitive for all sorts of reasons. Including10:
Exposure to hot or cold
Receding gums
Enamel erosion
Tooth decay
Gum infection
Cracked teeth
Recent dental procedures and tooth whitening treatments can also cause teeth sensitivity10. If you’ve not experienced teeth sensitivity before, speak to your dentist10.
Yes, teeth whitening products can sometimes increase tooth sensitivity3. This is because some teeth whitening treatments contain chemicals that can wear away your enamel with repeated use. If your teeth feel sensitive after whitening, speak to your dentist about safer options3.
Sometimes teeth sensitivity can go away on its own3. Tooth sensitivity can also get better with simple lifestyle changes2. However, in some cases dental treatment may be required2. If your teeth sensitivity doesn’t improve after a few weeks of home treatments, speak to your dentist2.