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Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth give a quick, sharp pain with hot, cold, sweet or sour food and drink. It is common, and it can often be eased.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
Why it happens
Under the hard enamel is dentine. Dentine has tiny channels to the nerve. If enamel wears away or gums shrink back, the dentine is open. Then cold or heat reaches the nerve.
Common causes
- Brushing too hard, or a hard toothbrush.
- Gums shrinking back.
- Acid from fizzy drinks, juice or citrus fruit.
- Brushing straight after acidic food or drink.
- Gum disease, grinding, or a cracked tooth.
- Tooth whitening (usually short-lived).
What helps
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, every day. It needs regular use to keep working.
- At night, rub a little of it on the sore spot and leave it.
- Use a soft brush and gentle, small circles.
- Wait at least 1 hour after acidic food or drink before brushing.
- Spit after brushing. Do not rinse.
When to see a dentist
- The pain is strong.
- It lasts more than a few weeks.
- Only one tooth hurts.
- The pain started suddenly.
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- Oral Health Foundation. “Sensitive teeth”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Toothache”. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/toothache/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).