Why do teeth become sensitive?
A tooth's crown is covered in enamel, and its root is covered by gum and a thin layer called cementum. Beneath both is dentine, which contains thousands of microscopic tubes leading towards the nerve. When dentine is exposed, cold, heat, sugar or acid can move fluid inside these tubes and trigger a quick, sharp pain.
What are the common causes?
Several things can expose dentine or irritate the nerve:
- Gum recession: gums pulling back expose the root surface, which has no enamel.
- Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush, which can wear enamel near the gumline and push gums back.
- Acid erosion from frequent acidic foods and drinks — citrus, carbonated drinks, pickles — or from acid reflux.
- Grinding or clenching, which can wear enamel and cause small cracks.
- Tooth decay, a broken filling or a cracked tooth.
- Gum disease, which can lead to recession.
- Temporary sensitivity after a cleaning, a new filling or teeth whitening.
What can I do at home?
For ordinary sensitivity with no other symptoms, these steps often help over a few weeks:
- Use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth twice a day; it can take a few weeks to work fully. Some people also find it helps to smear a little on the sensitive area at night.
- Switch to a soft-bristled brush and use gentle, small circular movements rather than hard scrubbing.
- Cut down how often you have acidic foods and drinks, and avoid brushing immediately after them — wait about an hour.
- Spit, don't rinse, after brushing.
- If you grind your teeth at night, mention it to your dentist.
What treatments can a dentist offer?
If home care isn't enough, or the cause needs treating, a dentist may suggest:
- Fluoride varnish or a desensitising agent painted on the sensitive area
- Bonding or a tooth-coloured filling to cover exposed root surfaces or worn areas
- Replacing a broken or leaking filling, or treating decay
- Gum treatment where gum disease is contributing
- A night guard if grinding is wearing the teeth
- Root canal treatment, in the less common case where the nerve itself is inflamed and other measures haven't worked
When is it more than sensitivity?
Typical sensitivity is brief — it fades within seconds once the trigger is gone — and often affects several teeth. Other patterns suggest something else is going on and should be checked soon:
- Pain that lingers for more than a few seconds after hot or cold
- Pain that starts on its own, throbs, or wakes you at night
- Pain when biting on one particular tooth
- Sensitivity in a single tooth that started suddenly
- Swelling of the gum or face
Can whitening products make sensitivity worse?
They can. Very abrasive products — including some whitening toothpastes and charcoal powders — can gradually wear enamel and exposed root surfaces, especially with hard brushing. Over-the-counter bleaching products used too often or for too long can also cause sensitivity and irritate the gums.
If you want whiter teeth and already have sensitivity, talk to your dentist first. They can check for decay, worn areas or gum recession and suggest a safer approach, which may mean treating the sensitivity before any whitening.
Is sensitivity after whitening or cleaning normal?
Yes, mild sensitivity for a day or two after a professional cleaning or whitening is common and usually settles on its own. If it lasts longer than about a week, let your dentist know.
Sensitive teeth? Getting checked in Parel
At Dr Smile Dental Care in Bhoiwada, Parel, a check-up — with an RVG digital X-ray at the chair if needed — can tell ordinary sensitivity apart from decay, a crack or a nerve problem. The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM–2 PM and 4–8 PM, and the consultation is ₹300 onwards.
Key takeaways
- Sensitivity happens when dentine is exposed — often from gum recession, enamel wear or hard brushing.
- A sensitive-teeth toothpaste and a soft brush help many people within a few weeks.
- Limit acidic food and drink, and don't brush straight after them.
- Lingering, throbbing or single-tooth pain is not ordinary sensitivity — get it checked.
- Mild sensitivity after cleaning or whitening usually settles in a day or two.
When should you see a dentist?
- Sensitivity that hasn't improved after a few weeks of home care
- Pain that lingers, throbs or wakes you up
- Pain on biting, or in one tooth only
- Visible gum recession or a notch near the gumline
- A broken filling or a chipped tooth
If you have severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a facial injury, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 112.
Common questions
Mild sensitivity after cleaning or whitening often does. Sensitivity from exposed dentine usually needs a change in habits or treatment, and persistent sensitivity should be checked.
It can be. Decay, a cracked tooth or a broken filling can all cause sensitivity, especially in a single tooth. A check-up can tell the difference.
Whitening commonly causes temporary sensitivity that fades within a day or two. Professional whitening controls gel strength and protects the gums to reduce this.
No. Keep brushing gently with a soft brush and a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Avoiding brushing lets plaque build up and can make things worse.
Related treatments at Dr Smile Dental Care
Published by Dr Smile Dental Care, Parel. This guide is general information for patients and is not a substitute for an examination by a dentist. Last updated 31 October 2026.