The short answer
Sensitive teeth give a short, sharp pain with cold, hot, sweet or acidic food and drink. It is usually caused by worn enamel or gums that have shrunk back, exposing the root. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth, used twice a day for a few weeks, often helps. See a dentist if it lasts, if the pain lingers after the cold has gone, or if one tooth is worse than the rest, because decay or a crack can feel the same.
Book a dental check-upMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Common causes
Most sensitivity comes from the tooth's softer inner layer being exposed.
- Brushing too hard, or with a hard brush
- Gums shrinking back from the teeth
- Acidic food and drink wearing the enamel
- Grinding the teeth
- Decay, a cracked tooth or a worn filling
- Short-lived sensitivity after whitening, a scale or a new filling
What you can do
Use a soft brush and a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, brushing gently twice a day. Spit rather than rinse. Keep acidic drinks to mealtimes and avoid brushing straight after them.
What the dentist can do
Find the cause first. Exposed roots can be coated with a protective varnish, a worn area can be filled, decay is treated, and a night guard can help with grinding.
Common questions
Is sensitivity a sign of decay?
Sometimes. If the pain lingers, or it is one tooth only, see a dentist to rule out decay or a crack.
How long does sensitive toothpaste take to work?
Usually a few weeks of using it twice a day.
Can whitening cause sensitivity?
Yes, usually for a few days. It is one reason whitening should be supervised by a dentist.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Tooth decay. NHS. Patient information.
- Gum disease. NHS. Patient information.
- How to keep your teeth clean. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 4 November 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.