Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryWhat causes sensitive teeth?How can you relieve tooth sensitivity?FAQRead nextSensitive teeth: causes and what to do
Book your general dentistry assessment on WhatsAppPrefer not to wait for a reply? Book online now, no phone call needed: see the open times and pick yours, any time (booking page in Portuguese).
Quick summary of this article+
Tooth sensitivity is a quick twinge with cold, heat, sweets, acids or touch, caused by exposed or stimulated dentin. Causes vary: gum recession, enamel wear (abrasive brushing, acids, bruxism), cavities, old fillings, cracks or short-lived sensitivity after procedures. Relief comes from desensitizing toothpastes and home adjustments, but what matters most is assessing and treating the cause. In Mooca, São Paulo, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients every day, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tooth sensitivity is that quick zing or twinge when you have something cold, hot, sweet or acidic, or when you brush — and it has several possible causes, from an exposed root to a cavity. Most of the time it can be treated, but the right approach depends on finding out what's behind it, and that happens at an assessment.
In clinical practice, people often just live with sensitivity, avoiding cold drinks without looking into the cause. The problem is that sensitivity can be a symptom of something that needs treatment — and ignoring it sometimes lets the problem grow.
In this article, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) explains the main causes of sensitive teeth, what helps relieve them and when to get an assessment. Since sensitivity has different origins, only an exam can pinpoint the cause and the right treatment for your case.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the general dentistry page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Tooth sensitivity happens when the inner layer of the tooth (the dentin), which is full of tiny channels connected to the nerve, becomes exposed or stimulated. That's why cold, heat, sweets, acids or touch trigger that quick zing. What varies is the cause of that exposure.
A common cause is gum recession, which exposes the root — an area without the enamel that protects the crown, and therefore more sensitive. Recession, in turn, usually comes from brushing too hard, gum disease or bruxism.
Enamel wear also causes sensitivity: abrasive brushing, acidic foods and drinks (sodas, citrus) and bruxism (teeth grinding) gradually thin the tooth's protective layer over time, exposing the dentin.
Cavities, old or leaking fillings and cracked teeth can cause sensitivity in one specific tooth. In these cases, sensitivity is a sign that something needs treatment, not just a matter of "sensitive teeth."
There's also temporary sensitivity after procedures such as whitening or cleaning, which is usually short-lived and goes away within a few days. That's different from persistent sensitivity, which deserves a closer look.
That's why the first step is identifying the cause. Mild sensitivity across several teeth usually has one kind of management; sensitivity in one tooth, intense sensitivity, or sensitivity with other signs (spontaneous pain, a dark spot, swelling) may point to something specific that needs treatment.
| Cause | How it usually shows up | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gum recession | A twinge with cold at the exposed root | Treat the cause of recession: brushing technique, gums or bruxism |
| Enamel wear | Widespread sensitivity that increases over time | Soft brush, non-abrasive toothpaste and moderation with acids |
| Acidic foods and drinks | Worse after sodas and citrus | Drink water afterward and wait a bit before brushing |
| Bruxism | Sensitivity along with wear and overload | A night guard when recommended |
| Cavity, old or leaking filling, cracked tooth | Sensitivity in one tooth | Assessment — the cause needs treatment |
| After whitening | Short-lived twinges during treatment | Toothpaste for sensitive teeth and respecting the intervals |
| In any case | — | Desensitizing toothpaste brings relief, but doesn't replace finding out why |
How can you relieve tooth sensitivity?
Relief comes from two directions: home measures for everyday sensitivity and, above all, an assessment to treat the cause. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth, used regularly, help reduce discomfort — but they don't replace finding out why.
Adjust how you brush: a soft-bristled brush, gentle strokes and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Brushing hard or right after having something acidic can make wear worse. Waiting a little after acidic foods before brushing helps protect your enamel.
Cut back on acids and sugar: sodas, citrus juices and too many sweets encourage wear and decay. It's not about cutting everything out, but about moderation and good hygiene afterward. Drinking water after acidic drinks helps neutralize them.
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, ask about a night guard. Bruxism is a frequent cause of wear and sensitivity, and protecting your teeth while you sleep makes a difference.
Get an assessment if the sensitivity is intense, limited to one tooth, persistent, or comes with spontaneous pain, a dark spot, swelling or pain when biting. These signs may indicate a cavity, a crack or a problem with the pulp — situations that need specific treatment.
At the dental office, besides treating the cause (a cavity, recession, bruxism), the dentist can apply desensitizing products and recommend a suitable routine. Treating the source is what really solves it — desensitizing toothpaste brings relief, but the cause needs care.
You'll find a full overview on the general dentistry page.
What causes sensitive teeth?
+
Sensitivity occurs when the dentin (the inner layer connected to the nerve) becomes exposed or stimulated. Causes vary: gum recession, enamel wear from abrasive brushing or acids, bruxism, cavities, old fillings and cracks. An assessment identifies yours.
Can sensitive teeth be treated?
+
Yes, depending on the cause. Desensitizing toothpastes and hygiene adjustments ease day-to-day discomfort; treating the cause (a cavity, recession, bruxism) is what really solves it. That's why an assessment matters: relief and treatment go hand in hand.
Does sensitivity toothpaste fix the problem?
+
It helps reduce sensitivity when used regularly, but it doesn't treat the cause. It's a relief tool, part of your care. If sensitivity persists or is intense, it's worth having an assessment to find out what's behind it.
Can brushing too hard cause sensitivity?
+
Yes, it can. Brushing hard or with stiff bristles wears down enamel and contributes to gum recession, exposing the dentin. A soft brush and gentle strokes are ideal. Brushing harder doesn't clean better — it just damages your teeth and gums.
Do acidic foods make sensitivity worse?
+
Yes. Sodas, citrus juices and other acids wear down enamel over time, making teeth more sensitive. Moderation, drinking water afterward and not brushing right after acidic food help protect your enamel and reduce discomfort.
Is sensitivity after whitening normal?
+
Yes, it's common and usually short-lived, lasting a few days. That's different from persistent sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpastes and respecting the intervals between sessions help. If the sensitivity is strong or doesn't go away, let your dentist know.
Could sensitivity be a cavity?
+
It could. When sensitivity is limited to one tooth, or comes with pain when biting, a dark spot or spontaneous pain, it may indicate a cavity, a crack or a problem with the pulp. In these cases, it's a sign something needs treatment — get an assessment.
Does bruxism cause sensitive teeth?
+
It can. Grinding or clenching wears down enamel and can lead to recession and cracks, exposing the dentin. In these cases, a night guard is usually recommended to reduce wear and sensitivity. An assessment confirms it.
Does gum recession make teeth sensitive?
+
Yes. Recession exposes the root, which lacks the protective enamel of the crown and reacts more to cold, heat and brushing. Treating the cause of recession and protecting the exposed area is the way to reduce this sensitivity.
When is sensitivity a concern?
+
When it's intense, limited to one tooth, persistent, or comes with spontaneous pain, a dark spot, swelling or pain when biting. These signs may indicate a cavity, a crack or a pulp problem, and call for an assessment. Mild sensitivity across several teeth is usually simpler.
Can I just live with sensitive teeth?
+
Simply living with it isn't ideal, because sensitivity can signal something that needs treatment. Even "simple" sensitivity can be reduced with the right care. Assessing the cause improves comfort and protects your tooth's health.
Which toothpaste should I use for sensitivity?
+
There are toothpastes made for sensitive teeth that help when used regularly. Ideally, your dentist recommends which one and how to use it, based on your cause. Avoid very abrasive or "whitening" toothpastes, which can make wear worse.
Does mouthwash help with sensitivity?
+
Some mouthwashes can complement your care, but they don't replace proper brushing or treating the cause. What matters most is correct hygiene technique, the right products and an assessment. Use mouthwash as support, not as a standalone solution.
Does sensitivity go away on its own?
+
Short-lived sensitivity (after whitening or cleaning) usually goes away within a few days. Sensitivity linked to a cause (recession, wear, a cavity) tends to persist or get worse if the cause isn't treated. That's why it's worth getting checked when it doesn't go away.
Can whitening make teeth sensitive?
+
It can cause temporary sensitivity during or after sessions, which usually passes within a few days. That's different from persistent sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpastes and respecting the intervals help. If it's intense or doesn't go away, let your dentist know.
Why did my tooth suddenly become sensitive?
+
Sensitivity that appears suddenly usually has a cause that was building up: enamel wear, receding gums, a crack, a cavity or a leaking filling. Sometimes it shows up after whitening or switching toothpaste. If it lasts more than a few days, it's worth getting checked.
Tooth sensitive to touch: what could it be?
+
Pain when you touch or bite on a tooth usually points to something in the tooth itself or around it, such as a crack, a filling that's too high, or inflammation of the nerve or gum — not just exposed dentin. It's a sign that deserves an assessment, especially if it gets worse or comes with spontaneous pain.
Very sensitive, painful tooth: is it an emergency?
+
When sensitivity turns into pain that lasts minutes after the trigger, pain that comes on by itself or at night, or comes with swelling, the chance of an inflamed nerve is higher. In these cases, get care within a few days; with facial swelling or fever, the same day.
Where can I get sensitive teeth treated in Mooca?
+
Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, in Mooca, São Paulo, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The assessment identifies the cause of your sensitivity and sets a suitable treatment for your case.
