How to stop my sensitive teeth from hurting
Sensitive teeth often improve when exposed dentine is protected and the cause, such as recession, wear, or decay, is treated.
How can protecting exposed dentine reduce tooth pain?
Sensitive teeth often improve when exposed dentine is protected and the cause, such as recession, wear, or decay, is treated.
Why can exposed dentinal tubules cause sharp sensitivity?
Sensitivity occurs when open dentinal tubules transmit temperature, touch, or chemical changes toward the pulp. Receding gums, enamel wear, erosion, a cracked tooth, whitening, or decay can expose dentine.
How should you brush sensitive teeth at home?
Use a soft toothbrush with gentle pressure and a fluoride toothpaste made for sensitivity. Limit acidic drinks, avoid brushing immediately after acid exposure, and stop whitening until the cause is assessed.
When should persistent sensitivity be examined by a dentist?
Arrange dental care if sensitivity is confined to one tooth, is severe, persists, or occurs without a clear trigger. Swelling, spontaneous pain, or pain that lingers after cold can indicate pulp inflammation.
What should your dentist check in a sensitive tooth?
Ask whether dentine is exposed, whether there is recession, wear, decay, or a crack, and which fluoride treatment, restoration, or bite adjustment fits the cause.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop brushing?
No. Continue gentle plaque removal with a soft brush while avoiding forceful scrubbing.
Why is one tooth suddenly sensitive?
A crack, decay, worn restoration, or exposed root can affect one tooth and needs examination.
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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.