Beneath the hard enamel is dentine, with tiny channels leading to the nerve. If the dentine is exposed, you feel cold, heat or sweetness all the way to the nerve.
This happens, for example, when your gums recede, when you brush too hard, when acid wears away the enamel, or when a tooth is cracked or has a cavity.
The cause first
A toothpaste for sensitive teeth often helps, but only if we know why a tooth is sensitive. Otherwise you might just be covering up a cavity or a crack.
What you can do yourself
Brush with a soft brush and without pressing hard. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and don’t brush straight after something acidic, but wait half an hour.
What we can do
A thin layer of fluoride varnish on the sensitive spots, a filling on an exposed tooth neck, or treatment of a cavity or crack if that is the cause.
How we approach it
1
Listening
When do you feel it, at which tooth and for how long? That already says a lot about the cause.
2
Examining
We look at your gums, your enamel and your fillings and test which tooth reacts.
3
Advice
We explain what the cause is and what you can do at home.
4
Treating if needed
If advice isn’t enough, or there is a cavity or crack, we talk about a treatment.
“
My teeth are sensitive and I always dreaded the cleaning. Here they check in with me along the way and take their time.
TThomas
If it stays, get it checked
Sensitivity that lasts longer than a few weeks, that gets worse or that keeps nagging after eating is a reason to come in. It can be a sign of a cavity or an inflamed nerve.
Good to know
Does sensitivity go away by itself?
Sometimes, for example after whitening or after a cleaning. If it lasts longer than a few weeks, have it checked.
Which toothpaste helps?
A toothpaste for sensitive teeth with fluoride. It often only works after a few weeks of daily use. You can also leave a little of it on the sensitive spot.
Can brushing too hard cause sensitive teeth?
Yes. Brushing hard with a hard brush can make gums recede and expose tooth necks. A soft brush, or an electric toothbrush with pressure control, helps.
Is sensitivity the same as toothache?
No. Sensitivity is a short twinge that is gone straight away. Pain that keeps nagging, throbbing or keeps you awake is a reason to make an appointment quickly.
