Sensitive Teeth

What are sensitive teeth?

Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for several hours, when you drink or eat something acidic, cold, hot or sweet. The pain can come and go, with some times being worse than others. Sensitivity that lingers for more than a minute can be an early warning sign of a more serious dental problems.

Who suffers from sensitive teeth?


What causes sensitive teeth?





Is there anything I should avoid if I have sensitive teeth?

You may find that hot, cold, sweet or acidic drinks, or foods like ice cream, can bring on sensitivity, so you may want to avoid these. If you have sensitivity when brushing your teeth with cold water from the tap, you may need to use warm water instead. It is important to keep brushing your teeth regularly, but also not too hard, using an electric brush, that has warning lights on it can help you to not over brush.

What treatments can the dentist offer?

If you have tried treating your sensitive teeth for a few weeks and you have had no improvement. We will be only too happy to see you here at My Dental Care.

We will provide you with a full examination and will talk to you about your symptoms. We will try to find out what is causing the sensitivity and find the best way of treating it. We may treat the affected teeth with special ‘de-sensitising' products to help relieve the symptoms. Fluoride gels, rinses or varnishes can also be applied to sensitive teeth.

These can be painted onto the teeth at regular appointments one or two weeks apart, to build up some protection. Sensitivity can take some time to settle, and you may need to have several appointments. If this still does not help, we can seal or fill around the neck of the tooth, where the tooth and gum meet, to cover exposed dentine.

How can I prevent sensitive teeth?


  • If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about whether you should have a mouthguard made, to wear at night.
Sensitivity Treatment
Sensitive Teeth Sensitive Teeth