If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain when sipping hot coffee or biting into ice cream, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity — also known as dentin hypersensitivity — affects millions of people worldwide. But while most think it’s just about weak enamel, the truth is more complex.

Understanding the real causes of sensitivity can help you prevent discomfort and protect your smile. Let’s explore what really causes tooth sensitivity, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to treat it effectively.

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Enamel Erosion: The First Line of Defense Breaking Down

Your enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of each tooth — but over time, it can wear away due to acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or grinding. Once enamel thins, it exposes the underlying layer, dentin, which contains tiny tubules connected to the tooth’s nerves.

Common Causes of Enamel Erosion

• Acidic Diet: Regular consumption of citrus, fizzy drinks, or vinegar-based foods weakens enamel.

• Overbrushing: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too forcefully can scrape enamel away.

• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Constant pressure wears down enamel, especially at night.

• Acid Reflux or Bulimia: Stomach acid exposure can dissolve enamel from the inside.

Once enamel is gone, it can’t regrow — making protection essential.

How to Protect It

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently for two minutes.
Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing to let enamel re-harden.
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and neutralise acid.                                                                                   Limit high-acid drinks and always use a straw for citrus beverages.

 Gum Recession: When Roots Get Exposed

Your gums are the protective seal around your teeth. When they recede, the tooth roots — which lack enamel — become exposed, leaving them vulnerable to temperature changes and bacterial irritation.

Why Gums Recede

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque and tartar build-up irritate gums, causing them to pull back.

• Hard Brushing: Similar to enamel erosion, brushing too aggressively can wear away gum tissue.

• Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Infection and inflammation damage the structures that support your teeth.

• Aging: Gum tissue naturally thins over time.

Symptoms of Gum Recession

• Teeth look longer than before.

• Notches or grooves appear near the gumline.

• Twinges of pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods.

How to Prevent It

 Floss daily and brush gently.
 Schedule regular hygienist cleanings to remove tartar.
 Use desensitising toothpaste that seals exposed tubules.
 For severe cases, ask your dentist about gum grafting to restore lost tissue.

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Cracked or Damaged Teeth: Tiny Fractures, Big Pain

Even small cracks in your teeth can cause sudden, sharp pain — especially when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. These microfractures can develop slowly and are often invisible without a dental X-ray.

Causes of Cracked Teeth

• Biting hard foods: Ice, nuts, or boiled sweets can cause cracks.

• Old fillings or crowns: Weak structures can stress the natural tooth.

• Teeth grinding: Over time, it creates fine fractures.

• Trauma or sudden temperature changes: Like eating something hot and immediately drinking cold water.

Symptoms

• Sharp pain when chewing or biting down.

• Sensitivity to temperature extremes.

• Intermittent discomfort that’s hard to pinpoint.

Treatment

• Bonding or filling for minor cracks.

• Crown placement for deeper fractures.

• Root canal treatment if the nerve is exposed.

Ignoring cracked teeth can lead to infection or complete tooth loss, so early intervention is crucial.

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Whitening Products & Dental Treatments: When “Too Clean” Hurts

Ironically, your quest for a brighter smile can sometimes lead to tooth sensitivity. Whitening products — whether over-the-counter strips or professional bleaching treatments — contain peroxide, which can temporarily irritate tooth nerves.

Other Triggers

• Overuse of whitening toothpaste: Some contain abrasive particles that wear down enamel.

• Dental cleanings: Polishing and scaling can make teeth sensitive for a few days.

• New fillings or crowns: Temporary sensitivity is common as your teeth adjust.

What You Can Do

 Use low-sensitivity whitening products or request a professional-grade gel with desensitisers.
 Brush with sensitive toothpaste twice daily to reduce discomfort.
Avoid extreme temperatures in food/drinks for 24–48 hours post-treatment.
 Always consult your dentist before starting new whitening routines.

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 Quick Sensitivity Prevention Checklist

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