---
title: "What Is Tooth sensitivity? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp twinge from hot, cold, sweet or sour things. It often happens when dentin is exposed."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-sensitivity
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp twinge from hot, cold, sweet or sour things. It often happens when dentin is exposed.

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

Common causes include worn enamel, [gum recession](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam) can help find the cause.

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam)

## Related terms

-   [Dentin](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dentin)
-   [Enamel erosion](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel-erosion)
-   [Gum recession](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-recession)
-   [Cracked tooth syndrome](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cracked-tooth-syndrome)
-   [Fluoride treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-treatment)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Tooth](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tooth)
2.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Sensitive Teeth - Heat and Cold Sensitivity](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/sensitive-teeth)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)