Sensitive Teeth: Causes & Treatment

Question

I realise that there are some toothpaste products for people who have sensitive teeth. What type of teeth is considered “sensitive”? What should we do if we have sensitive teeth?

What Are Sensitive Teeth?

You may have sensitive teeth if you experience a short, sharp pain or discomfort when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Some people also feel pain when brushing or flossing. Dentists refer to this condition as dentine hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth occur when dentine or the tooth root becomes exposed. Dentine is a softer layer beneath the enamel that forms the inner part of the tooth and its root. It contains thousands of tiny tubules that connect directly to the tooth’s nerve (pulp). When enamel or gum tissue no longer protects this layer, external stimuli can trigger pain.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Several factors can expose dentine and lead to sensitivity, including:

Gum recession
Gum disease
Tooth grinding
Teeth whitening procedures
Acid erosion
Cracked teeth
Dental treatments such as fillings, extractions, root canal therapy, or crown replacement

How to Manage Sensitive Teeth at Home

You can often relieve tooth sensitivity with simple daily habits:

Use a desensitising toothpaste
Choose a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These products block the dentinal tubules and reduce nerve stimulation. For better results, apply a thin layer directly onto the exposed tooth roots with your finger and gently massage the area. Continue daily for several weeks but avoid using this method for longer than one month. If sensitivity worsens, stop and see your dentist.

Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash
Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash with a high fluoride content twice daily after brushing, including once before bedtime. Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects exposed dentine.

Brush gently with the right tools
Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing. Gentle brushing helps prevent gum recession and periodontal disease, both of which contribute to sensitivity.

Limit acidic foods and drinks
Reduce intake of acidic items such as fruit juices, wine, vinegar, and soft drinks, as they erode enamel and worsen sensitivity.

Protect against teeth grinding
If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist to make a custom mouth guard and wear it while sleeping.

When to See a Dentist

If tooth sensitivity remains severe or persists despite these measures, consult your dentist. Your dentist will identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Depending on your condition, treatment options may include:

Covering exposed root surfaces with fillings
Applying fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and reduce discomfort
Using dentine sealers to protect exposed roots

Early assessment helps prevent further damage and ensures effective relief. PRIME

Author

Dr Raymond Lim

Dental Surgeon, Founder of B9 Dental Singapore

Dr Raymond Lim graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.). In 2013, he founded the B9 Dental Centre, which has placed emphasis on acquiring latest medical technology, maintaining strict hygiene standards and providing quality services to the patients since the beginning.

For the past four years, B9 Dental Centre has always been providing quality services at a price which is fair, reasonable and transparent. It has garnered recognition from the patients and in the industry through various awards, motivating Dr Lim and his team to work even harder. The team hopes to change the way people see and understand dental care, and to offer better service to the patients.

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