Medical review: Based on peer-reviewed research and guidelines. Clinical review by a Dalian Speciality Dental Clinic dentist is pending. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist about your own teeth.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Under the hard outer enamel, and below the gum line under a covering of gum, teeth have a softer layer called dentine. When dentine is exposed, cold, hot, sweet or acidic things and even cool air can cause a brief, sharp pain. Researchers describe this as dentin hypersensitivity.
Common causes
- Gum recession, where the gum pulls back and exposes the root surface. Reviews describe gum loss as a major predisposing factor.
- Worn enamel, for example from acidic food and drink or from wear over many years.
- Gum disease, which can also loosen the gum around the teeth.
- Other dental problems that feel similar, such as a cavity, a cracked tooth or a worn filling.
Why a dentist should check
Several dental conditions can feel like simple sensitivity. Published reviews note that diagnosis is difficult for this reason, and that there is no single universally accepted guideline for telling them apart. An examination lets your dentist rule out decay or a cracked tooth before treating sensitivity.
Treatment options
Reviews recommend starting with the most conservative options and moving to more invasive care only if needed.
- Desensitising toothpaste is described as the most effective and least invasive first step.
- Treating the cause, such as managing gum disease or protecting worn areas.
- Treatments applied by your dentist for stubborn areas.
Prevention
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, and ask your dentist to check your brushing technique and your gums at your regular visits. Limiting frequent acidic drinks may also help protect enamel.
When to see a dentist
Book a visit if the pain lasts after the cold is gone, wakes you at night, comes with swelling, or is in one tooth only. These signs can point to a problem that toothpaste will not fix.
Frequently asked questions
Is cold sensitivity always a cavity?
No. It is often sensitivity from exposed dentine, but a cavity, cracked tooth or worn filling can feel the same, which is why an examination helps.
Will sensitivity go away on its own?
It can come and go. If it keeps returning, treating the cause and using a desensitising toothpaste usually helps, and your dentist can advise you.
Can I whiten my teeth if they are sensitive?
Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, so speak to your dentist first. See our article on whitening safety.
Sources
- Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of dentin hypersensitivity: an evidence-based overview for dental practitioners. BMC Oral Health, 2020.
- World Health Organization. Oral health (fact sheet), 17 March 2025.
Information can change as new research is published. Last reviewed 6 November 2026.
