Last Reviewed 11 November 2025
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Table of Contents
Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Effective Treatments
For many people, sipping a hot cup of tea or biting into ice cream can trigger a sudden, sharp twinge in their teeth. This common problem – known as tooth sensitivity – affects a lot of us. In fact, research shows that roughly one in three people in the UK suffer from sensitive teeth at any given time. If you find yourself wincing at cold drinks or sweet treats, you’re not alone – and the good news is, you don’t have to live with this discomfort.
At Calm Dental Bermondsey, our friendly team understands how tooth sensitivity can impact your daily life. As a private dentist in London, we often help patients find relief through a combination of simple home care tips and professional treatments. In this article, we’ll explain what causes sensitive teeth, explore effective tooth sensitivity treatment options (both at home and in the dental chair), and offer preventive advice to keep your smile comfortable. Let’s dive in with the basics.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity (dentinal hypersensitivity) is the pain or discomfort in one or more teeth as a response to certain stimuli – often cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even breathing cold air. The pain is usually sudden and sharp because it shoots straight into the nerve endings of the tooth .
But why do teeth become sensitive? In healthy teeth, a protective layer of enamel covers the parts of the tooth above the gum, and cementum covers the tooth root under the gum. If these protective layers wear away or if the gum recedes, the underlying layer called dentin becomes exposed. Dentin is porous and contains thousands of tiny tubules (microscopic channels) that lead to the tooth’s nerve centre. When dentin is exposed, stimuli like temperature changes or sweetness can travel through those tubules and stimulate the nerve, causing that jolt of pain. In short, tooth sensitivity happens when stimuli reach the tooth’s nerve due to exposed dentin, typically from enamel erosion or gum recession.
It’s also worth noting that sensitive teeth can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying issue – such as a cavity, cracked tooth, or gum disease – which is why persistent sensitivity shouldn’t be ignored. Next, we’ll look at the most common sensitive teeth causes. (source)
Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can develop for several reasons. Understanding the cause of your sensitivity is key to treating it effectively. Here are some of the most common sensitive teeth causes and contributors:
Enamel Erosion: Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth, and it can wear down over time. Acidic foods and drinks (think citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, wine, pickles, vinegar, etc.) gradually erode enamel, exposing the dentin beneath. Frequent acid exposure – including from acid reflux or frequent vomiting – can thin out enamel and lead to sensitivity. Even a high sugar diet can contribute, since oral bacteria turn sugars into acids that attack enamel.
Aggressive Brushing or Hard Toothbrush: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can physically wear away enamel and even cause gums to recede. Over time, this “overzealous” brushing can expose the sensitive dentin layer. Always use a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique – it’s more effective for cleaning and it protects your teeth.
Gum Recession: Your gums protect the tooth roots. If the gums recede (pull back) and expose the roots, those roots can be very sensitive since they aren’t covered by enamel. Gum recession can result from gum disease (periodontal disease), which damages gum tissue and bone, or from long-term aggressive brushing. Some people are also genetically prone to thinner gum tissue. Exposed roots have many tiny tubules leading to the nerve, so they react painfully to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
Tooth Decay or Damage: A cavity (tooth decay) can create a hole in enamel that exposes the inner dentin or even the nerve, causing sensitivity. Likewise, cracked or chipped teeth can lead to sensitivity or intermittent toothache, especially if the crack exposes the dentin or pulp. Worn or leaking fillings can similarly leave dentin exposed. If bacteria enter through a crack or deep cavity and inflame the tooth’s pulp, it can cause persistent sensitivity or pain.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching your teeth (often during sleep or stress) can wear down enamel and even microscopically crack teeth. This not only exposes dentin but can also irritate the tooth’s nerve. Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth, but bruxism is a major contributor to enamel wear and sensitivity.
Teeth Whitening Treatments: Tooth whitening is very popular, but it’s known to cause temporary sensitivity in many people. Bleaching agents can make the tooth enamel slightly more permeable during the whitening process, allowing stimuli to reach the nerve more easily. Over-the-counter whitening products in particular are common culprits of sensitivity. The good news is this type of sensitivity is usually short-lived (a few days to weeks) and subsides after whitening is finished. If you have sensitive teeth and want to whiten them, always do so under a dentist’s guidance for a gentler approach.
Recent Dental Procedures: Sometimes you might notice your teeth feel sensitive after a dental treatment like a filling, professional cleaning, crown placement, or deep gum cleaning. This post-treatment sensitivity is usually temporary and should resolve on its own within a few weeks. For example, a deep cleaning can leave root surfaces a bit tender, or a new filling might make a tooth “zing” to cold at first. If this sensitivity doesn’t fade after 4–6 weeks, let your dentist know.
As you can see, most causes of sensitive teeth involve either wearing down the tooth’s protective layers or exposing previously covered areas. Now that we know what causes it, let’s discuss what you can do about it at home.
Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
If your teeth are sensitive, there are several at-home remedies and habits that can help manage the pain and protect your teeth’s exposed areas. Here are some effective steps you can take on your own:
Use Desensitising Toothpaste: Switch your regular toothpaste to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth (common brands include Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive, etc.). These toothpastes contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which help block the sensation from traveling to the nerve. With regular use, you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. (Don’t expect overnight results – it often takes a couple of weeks of consistent use to feel the full benefit.) A helpful tip is to spread a thin layer of the sensitive toothpaste on the exposed sensitive spots with a finger before bedtime – this gives those ingredients extra contact time to work. And be sure your toothpaste (sensitive or not) contains fluoride.
Brush Gently with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Brushing twice a day is crucial for oral health, but how you brush matters. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure to avoid scouring away your enamel or irritating your gums. Use small circular motions or a 45-degree angle technique rather than harsh back-and-forth scrubbing. A softer touch will still clean your teeth effectively while preventing further wear. Also, replace your toothbrush every 3 months (or sooner if the bristles look frayed) – frayed bristles can be abrasive.
Watch Your Diet (Avoid Acidic and Sugary Foods): Frequent consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks can speed up enamel erosion and aggravate sensitive teeth. Try to cut down on sodas, citrus fruits, vinegar-based foods, wine, and sugary snacks. When you do enjoy something acidic, have some water afterward to rinse your mouth, and wait about 30 minutes before brushing (acid softens enamel, so brushing immediately can remove more of it). Eating a balanced diet with plenty of calcium (found in dairy or leafy greens) can help keep your enamel strong.
Use a Fluoridated Mouthwash Daily: A neutral fluoride mouthwash can help remineralise and strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid and sensitivity. Rinsing once a day (at a different time than brushing) with an alcohol-free, fluoride mouth rinse is a simple way to fortify your teeth. Tip: Don’t rinse with water after using a fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste – let that fluoride continue to work.
Avoid Tooth Grinding: If you grind your teeth at night or clench during the day, take steps to address it. Grinding greatly accelerates enamel wear and can crack teeth. Try stress-reduction techniques before bed if stress is a trigger, and talk to your dentist about a night guard (a custom-fitted mouthguard) to protect your teeth while you sleep. A night guard acts as a cushion and can prevent the damage that leads to sensitivity.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your teeth and gums healthy will prevent issues like decay and gum disease that can cause sensitivity. Brush twice daily (gently, as noted) and floss or clean between your teeth once daily. This removes plaque and food debris, helping avoid cavities and gum recession. Healthy gums are less likely to recede, and healthy teeth are less likely to develop sensitive lesions or decay. Also, see your dentist regularly (at least twice a year) for check-ups and cleanings. Regular professional cleanings remove tartar that you can’t tackle at home and can catch early signs of problems before they get worse.
By following these home care tips, many people find their sensitivity greatly improves or even disappears over time. However, if you’ve tried these steps for a few weeks and your teeth are still uncomfortably sensitive, it’s time to talk to a dentist. Persistent sensitivity might need professional treatment or could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. In the next section, we’ll cover what professional tooth sensitivity treatments are available.
Professional Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
When home remedies aren’t enough, a dentist can offer targeted treatments to reduce tooth sensitivity. The goal of professional treatment is to strengthen the tooth enamel/dentin, protect exposed areas, and address any underlying causes. At Calm Dental, we provide several effective options to help patients with sensitive teeth, including:
Fluoride Varnish or Gel Application: One of the simplest in-office treatments is applying a concentrated fluoride varnish to the sensitive teeth. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and dentin, making them more resistant to acid and less permeable to sensations. High-strength fluoride treatments can significantly reduce sensitivity and also help prevent tooth decay. Your dentist might also prescribe a high-fluoride toothpaste or gel for you to use at home nightly for a few weeks. These prescription-level products can reharden enamel and soothe exposed dentin. Applying fluoride varnish is quick and painless – the dentist simply “paints” the varnish onto your teeth, and you avoid eating or drinking for a couple hours afterward to let it soak in.
Desensitising Agents and Dentin Sealers: Dentists have special desensitising products that can be applied to exposed dentin or root surfaces to block off those microscopic tubules. These might be resin-based sealants or other chemicals that seal the dentin. For example, a clear varnish or sealer can be brushed over an exposed root, effectively plugging the tiny tubules so external stimuli can’t reach the nerve as easily. No drilling or anesthetic is needed – it’s like applying a protective coat. The relief can be immediate and long-lasting, especially when combined with good home care. At Calm Dental, we use proven desensitising treatments that help “lock out” sensitivity from the vulnerable areas of your teeth.
Dental Bonding on Exposed Roots: For areas of gum recession or enamel loss, composite bonding is a highly effective solution. In this procedure, the dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to cover the exposed dentin on a tooth root or worn enamel patch. This creates a new protective surface that shields the area from hot, cold, or sweet triggers. The resin is polished smooth and blends in with your tooth, so it’s not noticeable. Bonding essentially acts like artificial enamel. It’s minimally invasive (no significant drilling) and can last for many years before it might need touch-up. By covering the sensitive spot, bonding prevents pain and also improves the look of a tooth that may appear longer due to recession.
Treatment for Underlying Issues: It’s crucial that your dentist checks for any specific problems causing sensitivity. The appropriate fix will depend on the cause. For instance, if your sensitivity is due to a cavity or tooth decay, the dentist will remove the decay and restore the tooth with a filling or crown, which will eliminate the sensitive spot. If you have gum disease leading to recession, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) might be needed to heal your gums; as the gums recover, some of the root coverage might improve. In some advanced recession cases, a gum graft surgery can be done – this involves taking a bit of gum tissue (often from the palate) and grafting it to cover the exposed root. A successful gum graft will not only reduce sensitivity but also improve the gum line appearance and health. For a cracked tooth, a crown or onlay restoration may be required to hold the tooth together and cover the exposed dentin. Every case is unique, but the aim is to fix the root cause so the sensitivity doesn’t keep recurring.
Root Canal (Last Resort): In rare situations, when a single tooth has severe, unrelenting sensitivity or pain that isn’t resolved by other treatments, a root canal may be considered. A root canal treatment removes the nerve inside the tooth, so the tooth can no longer feel any sensation. This is generally only recommended if the tooth’s nerve is irreversibly irritated or if a crack or deep decay has reached the pulp. While it might sound drastic, a root canal permanently cures sensitivity in that tooth because the nerve is gonecitybridgedental.co.uk. However, most people with routine sensitivity will not need this – it’s truly a last resort if all other approaches fail or if there is an underlying nerve issue.
At Calm Dental in Bermondsey, we will tailor a tooth sensitivity treatment plan to your specific needs. Our dentists will first examine your teeth to pinpoint the cause of your sensitivity, then recommend the appropriate solution – whether it’s a simple fluoride application or a restorative procedure. We pride ourselves on gentle, patient-centred care; if you have sensitive teeth, we take extra care during all treatments to ensure you stay comfortable (for example, using special gels during cleanings or whitening procedures to minimise sensitivitycalmdental.co.ukcalmdental.co.uk).
Preventing Sensitive Teeth
Prevention is always better than cure. While we can treat sensitivity, adopting good habits will help prevent sensitive teeth from developing in the first place (or stop already-sensitive teeth from getting worse). Here are some preventive tips to keep your teeth strong and pain-free:
Brush and Floss Properly: Use a soft brush and gentle technique to clean your teeth twice daily, and floss once daily. This keeps decay and gum disease at bay without wearing down your teethmy.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org. Proper oral hygiene prevents the common causes of sensitivity – it protects your enamel from plaque acids and your gums from infection.
Use Fluoride Regularly: Make fluoride your friend. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and consider using a daily fluoride mouthwash (at a different time than brushing). Fluoride helps remineralise enamel and can even reverse early microscopic decay. Many UK cities don’t have fluoridated water, so using fluoride dental products is important for everyone. Your dentist can also provide periodic fluoride treatments (like varnish) at check-ups for an extra layer of protectionmy.clevelandclinic.org.
Limit Acidic and Sugary Intake: Be mindful of how much acidic food and drink you consume. It’s fine to enjoy the occasional soda or orange, but try not to sip or snack on acids constantly throughout the day. Rinse with water after consuming acidic or sugary items, and chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva (which naturally neutralises acid). This will help prevent enamel erosion before it leads to sensitivity.
Avoid Tooth Wear Habits: If you have habits that wear down teeth, take steps to reduce them. This includes teeth grinding (use a night guard if needed), nail biting, or using your teeth to open packages – all these can cause micro-damage. Also, don’t brush immediately after acidic meals; give your enamel time to re-harden. Using a straw for acidic or very cold drinks can bypass your teeth and reduce exposure.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups (typically every 6 months) are crucial. Your dentist can spot early signs of enamel erosion, gum recession, or small cavities before they turn into painful sensitive spots. Professional cleanings will keep your gums healthy and remove tartar. If you’re prone to sensitive teeth, your dentist might recommend more frequent fluoride treatments or check-ups to monitor and manage the issue proactivelymy.clevelandclinic.org. Early intervention can save you from bigger problems (and bigger expenses) later on.
By following these preventive measures, you can greatly reduce the chance of experiencing tooth sensitivity.
A Final Word: You Don’t Need to Suffer in Silence
Sensitive teeth can be a pain – literally – but modern dentistry offers many ways to treat and manage tooth sensitivity so you can enjoy your food and drink without fear. Start with good oral care habits and home remedies to strengthen your teeth. If your sensitivity persists or is making life miserable, don’t hesitate to visit a professional. Often, a quick trip to a private dentist in London like Calm Dental Bermondsey can pinpoint the cause and provide immediate relief with the right treatment.
At Calm Dental, we’re here to help you smile without pain. Tooth sensitivity is something we address frequently, and our expert team will guide you through the best solution – whether it’s a special toothpaste, a fluoride treatment, or another service we offer. You deserve to enjoy your favourite hot coffee or cold ice cream without that shooting nerve pain. With the proper care and treatments in place, sensitive teeth can be effectively managed and even preventedmy.clevelandclinic.org. Don’t put up with zinging teeth – let’s get you comfortable again!