The experts call it dentin hypersensitivity, but to us, ‘sensitive teeth’ feels like a sharp pain or uncomfortable feeling in our mouth. Sometimes tooth sensitivity can indicate an underlying dental issue, others it’s an ongoing condition you’ll need to manage.
Sensitivity typically appears when you:
- Brush or floss
- Eat or drink hot, cold, sweet, sour or acidic foods – ice-cream is a common culprit
- Bite into things
- Breathe cold air
What causes sensitive teeth?
When the protective enamel on the outside of teeth has been damaged, it exposes the inner layer of what’s called dentine. That layer contains lots of small hollow tubes through which heat, cold or certain foods can travel to the nerve, where pain is felt. Enamel can be damaged by brushing your teeth too roughly, vomiting, reflux, eating acidic foods and drinks, or grinding your teeth.
Dentist Dr Adam Alford from Bupa Dental Brisbane says the main reasons sensitivity happens are:
- Exposed root surfaces when the gum line has pulled or worn away from the teeth and the root surface is exposed (read more about receding gums)
- Gum issues and infections around the teeth
- Early decay in teeth
- Large holes or advanced decay in the teeth, causing inflammation in the nerves and blood supply inside the tooth
- Chipped or cracked teeth.
Certain dental procedures may also play a role – you can experience sensitive teeth after whitening, crowns, veneers, fillings, wisdom teeth removal or even a regular scale and clean. Ask your dentist about this ahead of any treatment so you can manage it together.
Preventing sensitivity
Dr Alford says having regular check-ups with your dental professional is one of the best things you can do for teeth sensitivity.
“This can prevent most of the issues and alleviate as necessary with fillings, deep cleaning of the gum tissues, maybe root canal treatments,” he says. “Cracked teeth are a little more difficult – these may need crowns, root canal treatment, or to be extracted and maybe replaced.”
If no obvious cause is found, it may be that sensitivity is a condition you’ll need to manage rather than looking for a sensitive teeth cure, as such.
“Root surface exposure and desensitising toothpastes can help this type of sensitivity,” Dr Alford says. Fluoride gels or desensitising treatments might also be used by your dentist.
Home remedies for sensitive teeth
There’s lots you can do at home to prevent or lessen tooth sensitivity.
- Brush and floss regularly. Use small circular motions and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth – avoid brushing from side to side
- Avoid triggering foods
- Don’t brush straight after eating – wait at least 60 minutes
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating acidic foods (such as fruit or soft drinks)
- The best toothpaste for sensitive teeth will depend on your individual needs, so ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Talk to a dentist near you
We’re here to help. If you need help with sensitive teeth, see a Bupa Dentist for advice.
1 You can receive 100% back on dental check-up and cleans (select dental items only) once every 6 months at Members First Ultimate Providers. Waiting periods, service restrictions (clinical reasonability rules), policy and fund rules apply. Excludes orthodontics and in-hospital treatments. Available on all eligible extras products which includes General Dental (excluding FLEXtras and Your Choice Extras 60 where General Dental is not included). If you choose or require any additional dental services, any health insurance benefits will also be subject to your yearly limits.
2 You can receive 100% back on direct restorations or fillings (select dental items only), up to yearly limits, at Members First Ultimate Providers. Waiting periods, service restrictions (clinical reasonability rules), policy and fund rules apply. Benefits are payable up to yearly limits or on available remaining limits in relation to your product. Some out of pocket costs may apply if a claim exceeds your yearly limits. Excludes orthodontics and in-hospital treatments. Available on all eligible extras products which includes General Dental (excluding Simple Start – Basic Plus, OSHC Extras, FLEXtras and Your Choice Extras 60 where General Dental is not included). If you choose or require any additional dental services, an out-of-pocket cost may apply.
3 Members First Ultimate Providers are not available in all areas.
ø Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.