Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a quick, sharp feeling in a tooth when it meets heat, cold, sweets or acids. It often comes from exposed dentin. Dentin has tiny tubes that lead to the nerve. When enamel wears away or the gum pulls back, these tubes are open to the outside.

Common causes include worn enamel, gum recession, a cavity, a cracked tooth or a worn filling. The type of treatment depends on what is causing the sensitivity.

A dentist may suggest a desensitizing toothpaste, a coating on the root, a filling or another treatment. Lingering or severe pain may mean a deeper problem, so see your dentist rather than guess. A dental exam can help find the cause.