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Tooth sensitivity is a frequent dental complaint among adults in the UK, and it could be anything from a sudden jerk when having ice cream to discomfort when sipping a hot drink, or a sharp ache that lingers after consuming something sweet. Temperature sensitivity can impact everyday life without you actually being aware. Initially, many people simply ignore the discomfort or switch to merely eating on the opposite side of their mouth, but sensitivity is virtually never random and almost always has a cause.
Knowing why your teeth react to extreme temperatures, what a variety of symptoms can indicate, and when to seek a professional dental assessment is essential as this may help in protecting your long-term oral health while possibly avoiding more serious issues in the future. This comprehensive guide notes the science of sensitivity, the most common triggers you can manage, home care, and when to think about a dental visit.
Tooth sensitivity is also known as dentine hypersensitivity. It is characterised by pain or discomfort that arises after exposure to heat, cold, acidity, or sweetness; pressure sensitivity usually suggests a separate issue such as a crack or inflammation. The pain or discomfort usually happens immediately and can vary from mild discomfort to a sudden, shooting pain that can last a few seconds.
Teeth are constructed from layers. The top layer – enamel – protects the dentine inside which has tiny channels to the nerve of the tooth. When enamel is thinning, or the gums are receding back to expose dentine, Temperature changes travel through these open dentine tubules to the nerve inside the tooth, which causes sensitivity.
Although enamel is strong, it is not indestructible. Acidic foods and drinks like fruit juices, fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, wine, or energy drinks will wear down that protective coating of the enamel over time. Once the enamel becomes thin, hot or cold foods create direct sensation to the exposed dentine.
Signs of enamel thinning are:
Acid attacks are cumulative, so even small habits performed daily can add up over time.
Gum recession is one of the most common reasons for temperature sensitivity. When gums are pulled back, typically due to inflammation or brushing too hard, the root surface will be exposed. Unlike enamel, the cementum covering the root of the tooth is very thin and provides little protection.
Recession can occur due to:
Once you have recession, simply breathing in cold air can bring sensitivity.
A cavity creates an opening that allows temperature changes to reach the dentine and deeper layers. In the early stages of decay, the sensitivity may be light; but as it gets worse the sensitivity can become sharper, last longer, and lead to pain.
Once a single tooth starts to experience sensitivity to temperature, you should get it checked sooner rather than later to avoid larger treatment needs such as crowns or root fillings.
Older dental restorations have a chance of loosening, cracking or forming gaps around the edge. Gaps allow food particles or temperature to get in underneath the filling to the dentine layer. Cracked fillings can also allow bacteria to get in and potentially cause decay underneath the restoration.
Grinding or clenching can wear down enamel faster than regular chewing. Many people grind and clamp teeth often due to stress, extended working hours, or a disturbed sleep cycle. Over time, excessive grinding of teeth can lead to the dentine being exposed; which means that teeth can become even more sensitive to temperature changes.
Grinding can lead to:
If you find that your teeth look flat or feel sore, then it is likely that grinding is a contributor to your sensitivity.
Sometimes a tooth can have a microscopic crack that is not visible on an X-ray. A cracked tooth will often cause sensitivity to cold and discomfort when biting down. These cracks are most common in molars due to:
Having it diagnosed early can prevent the crack from progressing.
Teeth whitening – regardless of being supervised by a dentist – can increase your sensitivity to your teeth even if it is temporary. Whitening agents temporarily increase porosity in the enamel, which can heighten sensitivity; however, the sensitivity is mild or short-lived. People with pre-existing sensitivity often notice the effects more.
It is normal to experience sensitivity after sessions of fillings, dental bonding, or hygiene visits. However, sensitivity will settle within a few days to couple of weeks. Longer sensitivity may also require additional assessment.
Sensitivity to cold is often characterised by exposed dentine or enamel erosion, than it is to heat. Sensitivity to heat can indicate more serious issues such as inflammation or irritation of the pulp nerve itself.
When teeth sensitivity occurs to heat, or it lingers for more than a moment, it is vital to arrange a dental appointment without delay.
Eating or drinking every couple of hours does not allow saliva to neutralise the acids present, which contribute to enamel erosion.
Common foods that mimic soft drinks, highly acidic citrus foods, and coffee made with sugar are known to generate sensitivity.
After exposure to acid, the enamel becomes temporarily soft and brushing right afterwards will accentuate enamel wear.
Mouth breathing dries the oral tissues, which can increase sensitivity.
Accumulation of tartar and plaque lead to root exposure and gum recession.
Schedule your dental hygienist appointment and get professional guidance to manage sensitivity and maintain strong, healthy teeth.
Most sensitivity toothpaste in the UK contain potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which block channels to where those nerves were located. These should be used for several weeks preferably.
When one brushes their teeth, fluoride tends to make the enamel strong which protects from temperature sensitivity. Fluoride mouthwash can be used immediately after brushing unless advised otherwise by your dentist.
Use:
Aggressive brushing is a leading cause of recession.
Frequent home whitening gels or strips will lead to increased sensitivity.
Drink through a straw if possible and rinse with water afterwards.
A custom night guard will protect enamel as well as prevent additional wear.
If you are experiencing temperature sensitivity and home care circumstances are not enough, there are many effective professional options available with your dentist:
Makes enamel strong and quickly reduces sensitivity.
Covers the exposed root surfaces and safeguards vulnerable dentine.
Especially considered when recession or sensitivity has created significant root exposure.
Fixing old or cracked fillings often alleviates localised sensitivity.
Not only protects enamel but reduces future damage due to grinding.
Reserved for severe cases where nerve inflammation is involved.
When to seek the immediate care of your dentist:
Persistent temperature sensitivity should always be treated with complete attention. Early evaluation and intervention will help avoid more complicated or extensive treatment.
One of the most effective ways to prevent sensitivity is to have healthy gums and a reduced build-up of plaque and tartar. Many of our patients benefit from dental hygienist appointments in London, as the regular cleaning will control inflammation, avoid gum recession, and keep enamel surfaces strong.
Hygienists also offer personalised insights and advice on brushing, help spot early signs of enamel wear, and will offer guidance on fluoride treatments that would minimise sensitivity in the long term.
Yes, provided the cause can be detected early and treated. Most people will have considerable improvement when:
The sooner the process of guidance begins, the easier it is to reverse or manage the issue.
Book your dental hygienist appointment today and keep your smile healthy, strong, and pain-free.
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