How to Deal With Sensitive Teeth

There are many causes of sensitive teeth, which can imply anything from occasional and mild discomfort to severe pain that lasts for a sustained period of time. One common cause is when the enamel covering the teeth is uncovered, exposing the dentine underneath. This can cause pain upon exposure to hot or cold substances.

Causes

Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of factors.

Abrasion: this can be attributed to forceful brushing, which can be responsible for the wearing away of enamel
Dental erosion: this can be caused by consuming too many acidic or sugary products, or occasionally due to illness when acid reflux reaches the mouth
A cracked tooth or filling
Gum disease: sensitive teeth may be an early sign of this
Teeth whitening or bleaching: this can cause sensitive teeth temporarily. While this may occur after either professional or at-home whitening, the effects vary between people.
Teeth grinding: clenching or grinding your teeth can cause the enamel to be worn away due to flaxing of the teeth causing abfraction
Dental procedures: tooth restoration, root planning, crown placement, or any treatment that exposes a tooth's root may cause short-term sensitivity

Prevention

Given the many factors that contribute to sensitive teeth, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene and be aware of any behaviours or treatments that may lead to sensitive teeth.

Brush and floss your teeth daily, but be careful not to brush too abrasively, and change your toothbrush regularly so that the bristles stay correctly aligned and soft.
Limit your consumption of acidic, carbonated, and sugar-filled products, particularly between meals
If you grind or clench your teeth, look into solutions for this problem, which may include a night mouth guard. It is best to visit a dental professional to address this problem.
If you are considering whitening your teeth, speak with your dentist about the possibility of tooth sensitivity and your suitability for whitening

Treatment

Various brands of toothpaste are designed for sensitive teeth. If sensitivity persists after a couple weeks, however, it is advised to consult a dentist about the problem.

When you visit the dentist, they will try to identify the source of your sensitivity, and tackle the problem from the source. The dentist may also use a desensitising product, a fluoride rinse or gel, or a filling to target the area of exposed dentine between the tooth and gum.