Why are my teeth sensitive?
Under the enamel is dentin, full of tiny channels that lead to the nerve. When dentin is exposed, cold, heat, sugar and acid reach the nerve and cause a sharp, short pain.
- Worn enamel from grinding, acidic drinks or brushing too hard
- Gums that have pulled back, exposing the root (receding gums)
- A cavity or a leaking filling (tooth decay)
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Recent dental work or whitening
Get it checked soon if:
- the pain lasts more than a few seconds after the cold is gone
- one tooth hurts on its own, or when you bite
Lingering pain can mean the nerve is involved. Call 845-336-5855.
Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive, or sensitive to cold?
A starting point, not a diagnosis: Dr. Sayeed confirms the cause at an exam.
| If it hurts when… | It’s often caused by | What usually helps |
|---|---|---|
| You drink something cold, and it fades in seconds | Exposed dentin from worn enamel or receding gums | Sensitivity toothpaste, a desensitizing varnish |
| Your teeth turned sensitive all of a sudden | A new cavity, a crack, or recent whitening or dental work | An exam to find the tooth; often a filling or simply time |
| It’s worst near the gumline | Worn enamel at the neck of the tooth, often from brushing too hard | Bonding over the worn area, a softer brush |
| You wake with sore teeth or jaw | Grinding or clenching at night | A custom night guard |
| Pain lingers or throbs | Decay or inflammation reaching the nerve | A filling, or a root canal |
How does a dentist treat sensitive teeth?
Dr. Sayeed looks for worn enamel, recession, cracks and leaking fillings, and checks which tooth reacts and how long the pain lasts. That tells him whether the problem is on the surface or deeper.
- Desensitizing varnish painted on the exposed area to block the channels to the nerve.
- Bonding to cover exposed roots or worn edges with tooth-colored resin.
- A night guard if grinding is wearing your enamel down.
- Treating the cause, such as a cavity, a cracked tooth or gum disease.
What causes tooth wear and enamel loss?
Grinding, acidic food and drinks, and hard brushing. Once enamel is lost it doesn’t grow back, so protecting what’s left matters.
What can I do at home?
- Use a sensitivity toothpaste twice a day, and give it two to four weeks to work.
- Brush gently with a soft brush, not side to side.
- Wait 30 minutes after acidic food or drinks before brushing, so softened enamel isn’t brushed away.
- Drink acidic drinks with meals, or through a straw, rather than sipping all day.
Sensitive teeth questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Hurley, Saugerties, Woodstock and across Ulster County.
Is tooth sensitivity normal?
Mild, brief sensitivity is common, but it’s a sign that dentin is exposed. It’s worth a check, especially if it’s new.
Is it normal for a tooth to be sensitive after a filling?
Yes, for a few days to a couple of weeks. If it’s getting worse, or hurts when you bite, call so we can check the filling.
Can sensitive teeth be fixed permanently?
Often, yes, once the cause is treated: bonding over an exposed root or replacing a leaking filling can end it.
Does teeth whitening make sensitivity worse?
It can for a few days. Read how we keep teeth whitening comfortable.
When is sensitivity a sign of something more serious?
When pain lingers, throbs, wakes you at night or comes with swelling. Those can mean the nerve is involved.
