Sensitive teeth: causes, symptoms and how to support relief

If you have sensitive teeth, wow, do you know it. It strikes when you eat or drink something cold or hot. Even a blast of air can cause someone with sensitive teeth to wince.

“My patients have described it as painful, sharp, almost an electric zing,” says Deanna Snitzer, DDS, a Lakewood, Colorado, dentist and a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. One study found that about 12 percent of adults had so-called dentin hypersensitivity, with higher rates in women and adults ages 18 to 44.

The good news — relief support is possible. Learn how teeth become sensitive, how to care for your sensitive teeth and different ways to avoid that icky sensation.

In this article:

Why are my teeth sensitive?

The biology of the tooth plays into tooth sensitivity. On the outermost part, teeth have a hard layer called enamel. In the innermost part of the tooth is a soft core called the pulp. The pulp is where the nerve sits.

“The outer part of the tooth has pores like skin,” says Dr. Snitzer. “And when temperature or chemicals travel through the pores, it can transmit feelings of discomfort to our nerves.”

Different things can also compromise the hard shell that protects the nerve. When that happens, teeth become extra sensitive.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Teeth become sensitive for many reasons. One of those is poor oral hygiene.

The best idea if you feel discomfort, explains Dr. Snitzer, is to contact your dentist. A professional can get to the underlying cause. That’s the first step in recommending treatments, whether those come over the counter (OTC) or in the dentist’s office.

Some common causes of tooth sensitivity include:

• Brushing too hard
• Cracked teeth
• Recent dental procedures
• The use of products to whiten or bleach teeth
• Gum recession and/or gum disease
• Acidic foods
• Age
• Plaque buildup
• A temporomandibular disorder (TMD) of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints and/or nerves associated with chronic facial pain

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

If you have mild sensitivity, your dentist may recommend using a sensitive toothpaste formula. “For many people, that’s all they need to find relief,” Dr. Snitzer says.

Generally, sensitive toothpaste formulas contain one or more special ingredient. One of those is potassium nitrate, a chemical that blocks the pain receptors in the dentin. Another is stannous fluoride, which strengthens enamel so that it’s more resistant to sensitivity. A third ingredient is arginine or an arginine-calcium carbonate blend. They can reduce sensitivity and protect teeth from acid.

When used regularly, many OTC toothpastes help reduce sensitivity. Look for language on the label that states the product is specifically for sensitive teeth that still contain fluoride. 

Other ways to help sensitive teeth

If a simple OTC product doesn’t do the trick, other options might offer some relief support. Again, the best plan is to speak with a dentist. They might give additional strategies to soothe tooth pain.

• Avoiding trigger substances: Acidic foods like citrus, carbonated beverages and tomatoes can all wear away at enamel, exposing the dentin and causing pain.
• Getting professional treatments: Depending on what’s causing your tooth sensitivity, a health care provider may suggest other steps. A mouth guard, for instance, may help prevent teeth grinding during sleep. A fluoride seal or varnish, something done at the dentist’s office, can also protect exposed tooth surfaces. If a tooth is damaged, tooth bonding or other steps can help rebuild the tooth.
• Using fluoride products: In addition to a sensitive-formula fluoride toothpaste, your dentist may recommend a fluoride mouthwash to further strengthen tooth enamel.

Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth

Whitening products can sometimes cause sensitivity even in people who don’t usually experience it. If you want to whiten already sensitive teeth, it “isn’t a no-go, but you may need some adjunctive therapies,” Dr. Snitzer says.

The range of teeth-whitening tools available over the counter is ever-growing, with strips, toothpastes and other products. Discover a comprehensive list of at-home teeth-whitening kits here. Some of these are available in sensitive formulas. Still, it’s good to be cautious, so check with a dentist before trying any home treatments that might cause discomfort in already sensitive teeth.