Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp twinge that happens when dentine exposed by enamel wear or gum recession passes cold, hot, sweet or sour stimuli on to the nerve. Desensitising toothpaste, a soft brush and limiting acidic drinks often bring relief. If sensitivity persists, the cause is identified at an examination and clinic treatments such as fluoride varnish can be applied.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a brief, sharp twinge a tooth gives when it meets something cold, hot, sweet or sour, or cold air. The twinge usually passes within a few seconds once the stimulus is gone.
Enamel, the tooth's outer layer, and the tissue covering the root surface protect the dentine beneath. Dentine contains microscopic tubules that reach the nerve. When this layer is exposed, the fluid in the tubules moves with the stimulus and the nerve is triggered. In dentistry this is called dentine hypersensitivity.
Why do teeth become sensitive?
The most common causes of tooth sensitivity are gum recession and enamel wear. Both lead to dentine being exposed.
- Gum recession: The root surface has no enamel, so it easily becomes sensitive when exposed. Gum disease and brushing too hard are the main causes.
- Acid erosion: Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, vinegar and frequent reflux can thin the enamel.
- Brushing too hard and abrasive products: A hard-bristled brush, sideways scrubbing with pressure, abrasive powders.
- Clenching and grinding: Can wear the enamel surface and create notches at the neck of the tooth.
- Decay, cracks and leaking fillings: These make it easier for the stimulus to reach the nerve.
- After dental procedures: Temporary sensitivity may occur after a scale and polish, a new filling or whitening.
For information on clenching, see our page teeth grinding (bruxism) treatment.
How is tooth sensitivity relieved?
Mild tooth sensitivity often eases with changes to daily habits and desensitising products. This may take a few weeks of regular use.
- Use a desensitising toothpaste twice a day; its effect usually becomes noticeable after a few weeks of regular use.
- Choose a soft-bristled brush and brush without pressing, using small circular movements.
- After eating or drinking something acidic, wait about an hour before brushing.
- Do not sip fizzy drinks and fruit juice between meals.
- After brushing, spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse your mouth with lots of water.
- If you clench your teeth at night, talk to your dentist.
Desensitising toothpastes usually contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate, which reduces nerve stimulation, or stannous fluoride, which seals the dentine tubules.
Which treatments are used at the clinic?
For sensitivity that does not improve with measures at home, the cause is identified first and treatment is chosen accordingly. At the examination, decay, cracks, leaking fillings and gum recession are checked.
| Situation | Common approach |
|---|---|
| Widespread, mild sensitivity | Fluoride varnish or desensitising agents applied at the clinic |
| Wear at the neck of the tooth or an exposed root surface | Covering the surface with composite (bonding) or a protective coating |
| Marked gum recession | Gum treatment; assessment for gum surgery if needed |
| Clenching | Night guard |
| Decay or a leaking filling | Placing or replacing the filling |
| Nerve-related pain that does not respond to other methods | Root canal treatment may be considered |
Which method is suitable varies from person to person and is decided at the examination.
How does it differ from sensitivity after whitening?
Sensitivity after whitening is temporary and usually passes on its own within 24–72 hours. Dentine hypersensitivity, on the other hand, can last for weeks or months unless its cause is dealt with.
| Feature | Dentine hypersensitivity | Sensitivity after whitening |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Exposed dentine, gum recession | Peroxide temporarily stimulating the area near the nerve |
| Duration | Long-lasting if the cause is not dealt with | Usually 24–72 hours |
| Location | Often the neck of the tooth, specific teeth | Several teeth, often the front teeth |
| Approach | Treatment aimed at the cause | Usually passes on its own |
We explain twinges caused by whitening in detail on our page sensitivity after whitening.
Can sensitive teeth be whitened?
Sensitive teeth can often be whitened, but the cause of the sensitivity is assessed first. If there is decay, a leaking filling or an exposed root surface, these are treated before whitening.
- A lower-concentration gel and shorter application times may be preferred.
- The at-home method may be suitable because it gives the flexibility to pause treatment.
- Using a desensitising toothpaste before whitening may be recommended.
We explain whether people with marked sensitivity are suitable for whitening on our page who should not have teeth whitening.
Why do teeth twinge after tartar removal?
Mild sensitivity can occur after a scale and polish and usually eases within a few days. The tooth surface and neck of the tooth that were under the tartar are exposed to the mouth again by cleaning; this area may be more sensitive to cold for a while.
This does not mean the cleaning harmed the tooth. As gum inflammation subsides and the surface recovers, the sensitivity lessens. For details, see our page is tartar removal harmful?
Which foods and drinks should you watch with sensitive teeth?
Acidic foods and very cold or very hot foods are the stimuli that most often trigger sensitivity. You do not need to give them up completely; how often and how you consume them matters more.
| Take care with | Easier to enjoy |
|---|---|
| Fizzy and acidic drinks, fruit juices | Water, milk |
| Lemon, citrus fruits, vinegar and pickles | Cheese, yoghurt |
| Very cold ice cream and iced drinks | Lukewarm drinks |
| Sugary snacking throughout the day | Sweets limited to mealtimes |
Rinsing your mouth with water after an acidic drink and using a straw reduce the contact time with your teeth.
When should you see a dentist?
It is advisable to have any sensitivity that does not go away after a few weeks of regular care assessed at an examination. The following signs may point to a problem beyond sensitivity:
- Pain that starts on its own without a stimulus
- Throbbing pain or pain that wakes you at night
- A twinge that lasts for minutes after the cold or heat has gone
- Pain concentrated in a single tooth that gets worse when biting
- Swelling, bleeding or a bad taste in the gums
These signs may be linked to conditions that need treatment, such as decay, a crack or nerve inflammation. Rather than masking them with painkillers, you are advised to have an examination.
At our clinic in Çankaya, Ankara, we can assess the cause of your sensitivity at an examination.
Frequently asked questions
Does tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
Temporary sensitivity after dental procedures usually goes away on its own. Sensitivity caused by exposed dentine, however, generally continues unless the cause is dealt with.
How long does sensitivity toothpaste take to work?
The effect usually becomes noticeable after a few weeks of regular use. If you stop using it, the sensitivity may come back.
Why does my tooth twinge when I drink cold water?
The tubules in exposed dentine pass the cold on to the nerve. Gum recession, enamel wear or decay are the main causes.
Which department should I go to for tooth sensitivity?
See a dentist first. If gum recession is marked, a periodontology assessment may be needed; for nerve-related pain, an endodontic assessment may be needed.
Is tooth sensitivity a sign of decay?
It can be, but not always. A twinge triggered by sweet things or concentrated in a single tooth may point to decay, so an examination is recommended.
Does gum recession cause sensitivity?
Yes. When the gums recede, the root surface, which has no enamel, is exposed and becomes sensitive to stimuli such as cold and heat. The cause of the recession is assessed at the examination.
Related pages
Sensitivity After Teeth WhiteningWhy teeth feel sensitive after whitening, how long it lasts and what you can do to ease it.
Is Teeth Whitening Harmful?The effects of dentist-supervised whitening on enamel, gums and sensitivity, and the risks of overuse.
Teeth Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism) TreatmentTreatment options aimed at reducing the damage that clenching and grinding during the night or day cause to the teeth and jaw joint.
Who Should Not Have Teeth Whitening?Situations in which whitening is not recommended or should be postponed, and what needs to be done before treatment.
Is Tartar Removal Harmful? Questions on Enamel, Sensitivity and Loose TeethWe answer the most common worries about tartar removal in plain language, based on the scientific evidence.Suitability is decided at an examination. Fill in the form or call us to book an appointment.
Last updated: 2026-11-04 · This page is for general information only and does not replace an examination or diagnosis.