Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?

Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?

Cleveland Clinic says sensitivity happens when enamel wears away and exposes the softer dentin beneath it, making hot, cold, sweet or sour foods painful, and lists acidic foods and drinks, brushing too hard, teeth grinding, gum recession, gum disease, cracked teeth, plaque build-up near the roots, and some mouthwashes and whitening products. Healthline says heat or cold sensitivity usually happens when enamel wears down and exposes the dentin, or receding gums expose the root. Cleveland Clinic's page does not specifically address sudden onset, so a sudden change is a reason to have a dentist look.

Why is my tooth sensitive to cold?

Cold reaches exposed dentin or a root surface and triggers the nerve. Healthline lists cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, tooth injuries such as chips or bruises, grinding and forceful brushing, receding gums, harsh whitening toothpastes or alcohol-based mouthwashes, acidic foods and drinks, smoking and poorly fitted or deep dental work. Cleveland Clinic's toothache page adds that if the pain goes away quickly it may mean worn enamel.

Why is my tooth sensitive to hot but not cold?

The sources we read do not separate hot from cold. Cleveland Clinic's toothache page says sensitivity to heat and cold can point to cavities, cracks or gum disease. Heat sensitivity that lingers for a long time, or comes with a throbbing ache, can mean a deeper problem, and a dentist should check it, because the nerve may be involved.

Why is my tooth sensitive after a filling?

Cleveland Clinic says mild tooth sensitivity and gum soreness are normal after a filling and should go away within a week or two, and that pain when biting may mean the filling affects your bite and can be reshaped, while a throbbing toothache may mean decay has reached the pulp. Healthline says sensitivity after a filling should go away within two to four weeks. Sensitivity that persists after a filling may need a root canal, according to Healthline.

Does scaling cause sensitive teeth?

Yes, temporarily. Cleveland Clinic says recent dental work such as fillings or cleanings can cause short-term sensitivity, and its page on deep cleaning says teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold for a month or two afterwards. See our guide on deep cleaning pain.

Why are my bottom teeth sensitive?

The sources we read do not single out lower teeth. Gum recession is common on lower front teeth, and grinding and hard brushing can wear any teeth, so the causes above apply. A dentist can find out which teeth are involved and why.

What helps sensitive teeth

Cleveland Clinic lists dental bonding to cover exposed roots, dentin sealant to block pain signals, fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and reduce discomfort and desensitizing toothpaste for mild pain with gentle brushing using a soft-bristled brush. Healthline lists desensitizing toothpaste, a soft brush with gentle circular strokes and limiting acidic foods and drinks such as citrus, soda, coffee and wine. Healthline says home and over-the-counter treatments mainly provide short-term relief, and a dentist is needed to address the underlying cause.

When to see a dentist

Cleveland Clinic says to see a dentist if your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something cold, hot or sweet, that sensitivity sometimes resolves on its own, especially after a dental visit, not to ignore pain because untreated sensitivity can lead to infection, cavities or gum disease, and that sharp or persistent pain may signal a more serious problem. Healthline says to see a dentist if sensitivity is frequent or interferes with eating or drinking normally.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask what is causing it.

• Is the sensitivity from worn enamel, exposed roots, a cavity or a crack?
• Is my brushing technique or grinding a factor?
• Which toothpaste, rinse or treatment would help?
• Could my fillings or recent dental work be the cause?
• When should I come back if it does not improve?

Frequently asked questions