How to Treat Sensitive Teeth (and Help Reduce Discomfort)

Tooth sensitivity can turn everyday activities — like enjoying a hot coffee or biting into an ice cream — into a painful experience. If you’ve been wondering how to treat sensitive teeth or how to help reduce the discomfort they cause, you’re not alone. According to dental studies, up to 1 in 3 adults experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives.

The good news is that sensitivity is not something you have to live with forever. By understanding its causes, exploring effective at-home care, and seeking professional treatments, you can manage or even eliminate sensitivity altogether.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know: from what causes sensitive teeth to the best remedies and preventive strategies, and how to keep your smile happy and healthy.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the protective layers of your teeth (enamel or cementum) wear down or become damaged, exposing the underlying dentin. The dentin contains tiny tubules that lead to the nerve of the tooth. When exposed, triggers like cold air, hot drinks, sweet foods, or even brushing can cause sharp, sudden pain.

Common causes include:

Enamel wear from aggressive toothbrushing or abrasive toothpaste
Tooth decay or cavities
Gum recession, exposing the tooth root
Worn fillings or broken teeth
Acidic foods and drinks that erode enamel
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Side effects after teeth whitening

How to Treat Sensitive Teeth with At Home Remedies

While it’s important to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis, there are ways you can help ease sensitivity between appointments with some easy home remedies :

Use a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Desensitising toothpaste contains compounds (such as potassium nitrate) that block pain signals from the tooth surface to the nerve. Use it twice daily and avoid rinsing your mouth with water immediately after brushing. This leaves the residue sitting around the teeth, which helps to let it work longer and more effectively.

Switch to a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush: Brushing too hard or with stiff bristles can wear away enamel and irritate gums. Opt for a soft-bristled brush and gentle, circular motions.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, and vinegar-based foods can strip away enamel and contribute to enamel erosion. If you do have them, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with warm water afterwards.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing help prevent decay and gum disease, both of which can worsen sensitivity. Taking care of your oral health is one of the main ways to help prevent tooth pain.

Use a Fluoride Mouthwash: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces sensitivity over time.
Improve Daily Habits:

Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens.
Drink water frequently to wash away acids.
Use a straw when consuming acidic or sugary drinks to reduce contact with teeth.

Does Sensitive Toothpaste Really Help?

Yes, using a toothpaste like Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, which are designed for sensitive teeth, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage discomfort. These formulas contain active ingredients such as potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which work by calming the nerves inside the tooth or strengthening the enamel to block pain signals. With consistent daily use, many people notice a significant reduction in sensitivity within a few weeks.

Professional Treatments That Help with Sensitive Teeth Pain

If home remedies aren’t enough, a dental visit to your dentist can offer a range of in-chair dental procedures and tooth sensitivity treatments to target the cause and provide long-term relief.

Fluoride Varnish or Gel

Applied directly to sensitive areas, fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and reduces the transmission of pain signals.

Dental Bonding

A tooth-coloured resin can be applied over exposed dentin or root surfaces to create a protective barrier.

Gum Grafting

If gum recession is the cause, in severe cases, gum grafting may be recommended. This is a procedure where a small piece of tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and grafted to cover the exposed root. This treatment is typically more common in patients who have advanced periodontal and gum disease.

Inlays, Onlays, or Crowns

If sensitivity is caused by decay, cracks, or worn fillings, your dentist may restore the tooth with a custom-made restoration.

Root Canal Treatment

For severe or persistent sensitivity where the nerve is damaged, root canal therapy can eliminate the problem at its source.

The Link Between Sensitive Teeth and Overall Health

Tooth sensitivity isn’t just a standalone problem — in some cases, it can indicate underlying issues like gum disease or enamel erosion that affect your broader oral health. Gum recession linked to periodontitis, for example, may increase sensitivity while also raising the risk of tooth loss if left untreated. Similarly, enamel erosion can sometimes signal an underlying condition such as acid reflux (GERD), where stomach acids repeatedly flow into the mouth and wear away the enamel surface. By addressing sensitivity early, you protect both your smile and your long-term well-being.

Sensitive Teeth as a Sign of Other Health Conditions

While sensitivity often starts in the mouth, it can also reflect problems beyond your teeth and gums. Acid reflux (GERD) is a common example — stomach acids can erode enamel over time, leaving teeth more vulnerable to pain. Eating disorders that involve frequent vomiting, such as bulimia, may have a similar impact. Even chronic conditions like dry mouth (often caused by medications or autoimmune disorders) reduce saliva’s protective effect, increasing the risk of sensitivity and decay. In these cases, treating sensitivity is just one part of managing a wider health picture.

When to See Your Dentist About Sensitive Teeth Relief

Mild tooth sensitivity that comes and goes is common, but persistent or worsening pain should never be ignored. Book a dental appointment if you notice:

Sudden, severe sensitivity and tooth pain
Sensitivity accompanied by localised swelling
Tooth pain that lasts more than a few days
Visible cracks, chips, or decay in the mouth

Early intervention can prevent more serious issues, including infections and tooth loss.

How Your Dentist Diagnoses Tooth Sensitivity

When you visit the dentist for sensitivity, they won’t just treat the symptoms — they’ll look for the cause. A typical assessment includes:

Reviewing your medical and dental history
Checking for enamel wear, gum recession, or cavities
Taking X-rays if cracks or deep decay are suspected
Testing teeth with air, cold, or tapping to locate the source

This diagnostic process ensures the right treatment is chosen, whether that’s a simple fluoride varnish or more advanced restorative care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sensitive Teeth

Q: Can sensitive teeth go away on their own?
A: Mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes and desensitising products, but most cases require ongoing care or professional treatment.

Q: Does teeth whitening always cause sensitivity?
A: Sensitivity is a common temporary side effect of whitening, but it usually subsides within a few days. Using fluoride or desensitising products before and after whitening helps minimise discomfort.

Q: Is tooth sensitivity a sign of a cavity?
A: Not always. Sensitivity can come from enamel wear or gum recession. However, cavities are a possible cause, which is why a dental exam is important.

Q: Are there natural remedies for sensitive teeth?
A: Some people find relief from rinsing with saltwater or applying clove oil, but these are temporary. Professional diagnosis remains essential.

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

Once your sensitivity is under control, adopting preventive measures can keep your teeth healthy and pain-free:

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth long-term
Limit acidic foods and drinks
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
See your dentist every 6 months for check-ups

Knowing how to treat sensitive teeth and how to help reduce discomfort can make a big difference in your daily comfort. Start with gentle home care, make small changes to your diet and brushing technique, and see your dentist for personalised treatment options.

If you’re struggling with tooth sensitivity, contact our team at your nearest Coastal Dental Care location. We’ll help identify the cause and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs, so you can enjoy your favourite foods and drinks without discomfort.

If you are looking to treat sensitive teeth, you should first consult with your dentist. Your dentist may be able to identify any underlying oral issues causing your pain. Furthermore, they may be able to provide you with a treatment plan or solution.

Alternatively, you can book an appointment online, 24/7.