Home remedies for sensitivity
Reduce tooth sensitivity by avoiding triggers, using fluoride toothpaste, and arranging an examination if pain persists or returns.
The short answer
For temporary relief, avoid very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods, brush gently with fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and arrange a dental examination to find the cause. Do not place aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum because they can injure the tissue.
Why does exposed dentine cause a sharp sensitivity response?
Sensitivity is a brief sharp response when exposed dentine allows temperature, touch, sweetness, or acidity to stimulate the pulp through microscopic tubules. Recession, enamel wear, erosion, a crack, decay, or a defective filling can expose or irritate that pathway.
How can you clean your teeth gently while sensitivity settles?
Use a soft brush with light pressure and clean between the teeth without snapping floss against the gum. A dentist may apply fluoride varnish, seal exposed root surfaces, repair decay or a filling, or treat an inflamed pulp after examining the tooth.
When does tooth sensitivity need a dental examination?
Book an examination when sensitivity is new, localized to one tooth, worsening, or lasting after the trigger is removed. Prompt care is needed for spontaneous pain, swelling, fever, a broken tooth, or pain that keeps you awake.
What should the dentist check as the cause of sensitivity?
Ask whether the sensitivity comes from exposed dentine, decay, a crack, gum recession, or a restoration, and whether an X-ray or vitality test is needed. Ask which toothpaste or fluoride treatment suits you and what treatment will prevent recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
Can salt water cure sensitive teeth?
A mild rinse may soothe irritated gums, but it does not repair exposed dentine, decay, cracks, or a damaged filling.
Why is one tooth suddenly sensitive?
A single sensitive tooth can have decay, a crack, gum recession, or a failing restoration and should be examined.
Keep reading
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.