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Pain & emergencies

Sensitive teeth

Routine5 treatment options

Sharp twinges with cold, hot, sweet or acidic food are common. Why teeth become sensitive, what helps at home and when to see a dentist.

How urgent is it? Routine

Usually routine. See a dentist if the pain is severe, only one tooth is affected, it started suddenly, or it has not improved after a few weeks - these can be signs of decay, a crack, gum problems or infection.

What it is

Tooth sensitivity is a quick, sharp pain - or sometimes a longer ache - when you have something cold, hot, sweet or acidic. It happens when the tooth's outer enamel wears away or the gums shrink back, exposing dentine, which contains tiny channels leading to the nerve.

Sensitivity is common and often manageable at home with the right toothpaste and gentler habits. The Oral Health Foundation notes that sensitive toothpastes work by blocking the tiny channels in the dentine, and that you need to keep using them for the effect to last.

Sensitivity can also be a sign of something that needs treatment, such as decay, a cracked tooth or gum disease. See a dentist if the pain is severe, affects just one tooth, comes on suddenly or lasts more than a few weeks.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • A short, sharp pain with cold or hot food and drink
  • Discomfort with sweet or acidic foods
  • Pain when brushing particular teeth
  • Sensitivity to cold air

Usual causes

  • Brushing too hard or with a hard toothbrush
  • Receding gums
  • Acid wear from fizzy drinks, fruit juice, citrus fruit or stomach acid
  • Brushing straight after acidic food or drink
  • Gum disease
  • Grinding or clenching
  • Cracked or damaged teeth
  • Tooth whitening, which usually causes temporary sensitivity

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Daily oral hygiene

    First-line: a sensitive toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, potassium citrate or stannous fluoride, a soft brush and gentle technique.

    Available on the NHSHome care

  2. Fluoride treatments and fissure sealants

    A dentist-applied desensitising treatment or a prescription high-fluoride toothpaste.

    Available on the NHSPreventive

  3. Fillings

    Covering worn, exposed areas near the gumline, or treating decay.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  4. Night guards and splints

    When grinding or clenching is contributing.

    Sometimes on the NHSPreventive

  5. Gum disease treatment

    When gum disease or recession is the underlying cause.

    Available on the NHSPreventive

What you can do now

  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth every time you brush, and at night rub a little onto the sensitive area and leave it
  • Spit after brushing but do not rinse with water
  • Use a soft toothbrush with small circular movements
  • Wait at least an hour after acidic food or drink before brushing
  • Cut down on acidic and sugary drinks

Preventing it

  • Brush gently - an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can help
  • Keep acidic foods and drinks to mealtimes
  • Clean between teeth daily to protect your gums

Common questions

How long does sensitive toothpaste take to work?

It works by gradually blocking the channels in the dentine, and you need to keep using it to maintain the effect. The Oral Health Foundation's toothache advice suggests seeing a dentist if sensitivity has not improved after about two weeks of using one.

Is sensitivity after whitening normal?

Temporary sensitivity, especially to cold, is a common side effect of professional whitening and usually settles. Talk to your dentist if it bothers you.

Can sensitivity mean something serious?

It can. Sudden, severe or one-tooth sensitivity may point to decay, a crack or infection, so it is worth a dental check.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

Oral-B iO2 electric toothbrush

Oral-B's entry-level iO brush, pitched at people switching from a manual toothbrush. It keeps things simple – one button, three…

Features & who it suits

Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste

A sensitivity toothpaste marketed for fast relief. The Oral Health Foundation notes that sensitive toothpastes work by blocking…

Features & who it suits

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.