How to cure sensitive teeth – what are the causes, and what is the best treatment to stop tooth sensitivity immediately

Sensitive teeth are more common than people think, sensitivity to hot and cold, and other stimuli can cause acute pain that is unbearable for those who suffer from it.

Fortunately, many treatments can relieve pain and get rid of sensitive teeth permanently.

What causes hypersensitivity?

Very sensitive teeth occur when the outermost layers of the teeth wear out, these layers are the enamel (which covers the crown of the tooth) and the cementum (which covers the root of the tooth).

When these layers wear down, the layer below them (called dentin) is exposed to different stimuli such as heat, cold, or the acidity of some foods.

Dentin is a much less resistant layer that allows the stimulus to reach the nerve of the tooth (dentin hypersensitivity) and causes the typical pain of tooth sensitivity.

Sensitive teeth cause:

  • Receding gums: The gums cover the cementum of the root and provide additional protection, when your gums recede, the cementum is exposed and wears out in a short time.
  • Dental fractures: A crack in the tooth allows the passage of various stimuli directly toward the nerve of the tooth.
  • Caries: tooth decay deteriorates the enamel allowing the passage of irritating substances.
  • Worn fillings: A defective dental restoration allows substances to leak into the interior of the tooth.
  • Poor brushing technique: Aggressive brushing can cause the gums to recede and injure the cementum, it is necessary to adopt a proper brushing technique.
  • Consumption of acidic beverages: Excessive consumption of these beverages can erode tooth enamel.

Symptoms of tooth sensitivity

The only symptom of tooth sensitivity is sharp and exaggerated pain, which usually appears when in contact with a stimulus such as hot or cold food.

The pain lasts only a few seconds and disappears completely on its own as soon as the stimulus disappears, even so, it is very annoying for those who suffer from it.

Types of tooth sensitivity

Depending on the stimulus that produces it, it can be classified into 3 types:

  • Thermal sensitivity: Sensitivity to cold or heat.
  • Chemical sensitivity: Sensitivity to sweet and acidic foods.
  • Tactile Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity when brushing or biting down on hard foods.

Sensitive teeth solutions

There are several ways to cure very sensitive teeth, the first option, recommended by dentists, is to use a special toothpaste for tooth sensitivity like Sensodyne repair & protect and extra soft bristle brushes.

These kinds of toothpaste contain a lower degree of abrasiveness than normal ones and also contain active ingredients that block the stimuli that cause pain. After several days of use, you will get sensitive teeth relief.

The extra-soft bristle brushes are specially designed to not injure the enamel or the gums, and there are even electric toothbrushes for sensitive teeth.

If symptoms don’t improve by incorporating these products into your hygiene routine, your dentist may apply desensitizing gels or cover exposed areas with resin to protect the dentin, this is the best thing for sensitive teeth.

In cases where dental sensitivity is constant and does not improve with treatment, you can opt for endodontics (root canal treatment) although this does not happen frequently.

Best toothpaste for sensitive teeth

You can find a lot of over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth relief, but some of the dentists’ favorites are:

Best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth

Some of the best and safest electric toothbrushes for sensitive teeth are the Oral-B Series 8, the Oral-B Smart Limited, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, and the Philips DiamondClean 9500.

Home remedies for sensitive teeth

We need to make it clear that home remedies that involve using natural herbs won’t cure sensitive teeth even if they contain anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties since tooth sensitivity pain is not caused by bacteria or inflammation but by dentin hypersensitivity to stimuli.

That said, the best thing for sensitive teeth that you can do at home is to add appropriate items to your oral hygiene routine, that is:

  • Getting a soft bristle toothbrush.
  • Over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste.
  • Mouthwashes that contain hydrogen peroxide (optional).

Tooth sensitivity during pregnancy

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, there is a generalized hypersensitivity to stimuli in the oral cavity due to an increased response of the immune system.

Plus, pregnant women are more prone to oral infections or periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and inflamed and receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity.

Fortunately, once the pregnancy is over, tooth sensitivity will likely go away on its own, but it is advisable to implement desensitizing toothpaste to relieve symptoms.

Frequent questions

What is the best Sensodyne for sensitive teeth?

All the Sensodyne products are specially designed to reduce teeth sensitivity, and all of them are very efficient, but some of the most recent options have improved their formula to be even more effective, some of the best Sensodyne for sensitive teeth in 2024 are: Sensodyne gum and enamel repair, Sensodyne pronamel repair, and sensodyne repair & protect whitening.

Why do I have sensitive teeth after a filling?

After a dental restoration (filling) it is normal for the treated tooth to show signs of sensitivity due to dentine exposure, however, this disappears on its own after a few days.

How long does tooth sensitivity last after a cleaning?

Sensitivity on teeth and gums is normal after a professional dental cleaning, but this will go away within a week, and your dentist will likely prescribe pain relievers to relieve discomfort.

How long does tooth sensitivity last after whitening?

Professional teeth whitening uses chemicals that weaken tooth enamel so sensitive teeth after whitening is normal, however, this is temporary and usually disappears on its own in a few days after the whitening sessions are over.

It is advisable to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth throughout the treatment to prevent or relieve discomfort.

Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth

The best tooth whitening for sensitive teeth is LED whitening since it’s less aggressive than other types of teeth whitening and won’t cause discomfort if done properly.

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