Tooth Sensitivity: Why Cold and Sweet Things Hurt, and How to Fix It
The common reasons teeth become sensitive, what you can do at home, and the treatments that help.
Short answer: Teeth become sensitive when the protective enamel wears thin or the gums recede, exposing the inner layer of the tooth. Most cases improve with the right toothpaste, gentler brushing and simple dental treatment.
What is happening inside the tooth
Under the enamel is a layer called dentine, which has thousands of tiny channels leading to the nerve. When dentine is exposed, cold, hot, sweet or sour things reach the nerve and cause a short, sharp pain.
Common causes
- Brushing too hard or with a hard brush
- Receding gums
- Acidic food and drinks such as cola, citrus and pickles
- Grinding or clenching teeth, often at night
- Tooth decay or a cracked tooth
- A worn or leaking filling
- Recent scaling or whitening (temporary)
What you can do at home
- Switch to a soft toothbrush and brush gently.
- Use a desensitising toothpaste every day. It takes two to four weeks to work fully. Do not rinse it off straight away.
- Wait 30 minutes after acidic food or drink before brushing.
- Cut down on cola, packaged juices and very sour foods.
- Avoid whitening toothpastes that feel gritty.
When to see a dentist
- Sensitivity lasting more than two weeks
- Pain in one particular tooth
- Pain that lingers for more than a few seconds
- Pain on biting
These can be signs of decay, a crack or an infection, which toothpaste will not fix.
Treatments that help
- Fluoride application to strengthen enamel
- Desensitising coatings on exposed areas
- Tooth-coloured fillings to cover worn areas near the gum line
- A night guard if you grind your teeth
- Gum treatment for receding gums
- Root canal treatment if the nerve is affected
Prevention
Gentle brushing, a balanced diet and a check-up every six months keep enamel and gums healthy.
Book a visit
If you have questions about this, we are happy to help. Consultation at The Dental Corner, Keshav Puram starts at ₹100. Call or WhatsApp +91 80765 81730.
This article is general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist.
Consultation at The Dental Corner, Keshav Puram starts at ₹100.
A specialist in root canal treatment and restorative dentistry with over 10 years of clinical experience. She founded The Dental Corner in Keshav Puram in 2024.
About Dr. Sneha
