Tooth Sensitivity: Why Teeth React to Cold and Heat and How to Get Rid of It

When a tooth gives a short “twinge” from ice cream, a sip of cold water or something sweet, that is sensitivity — in dentistry, hyperesthesia. In itself it is not a disease but a symptom: the tooth is telling you its protective layer is compromised. Sometimes changing your toothpaste is enough, and sometimes decay or exposed necks hide behind the sensitivity. We break down when you can cope at home and when it is time to see a doctor.

Why a tooth becomes sensitive

Enamel has no nerves, but the layer beneath it — dentine — is riddled with microtubules leading to the nerve. As long as the dentine is covered by enamel above and gum below, the tooth stays silent. As soon as the dentine is exposed, irritants (cold, heat, sour, sweet) reach the nerve and the tooth reacts. Dentine becomes exposed for several reasons:

Receding gums — the gums recede and expose the sensitive part near the root that is not covered by enamel. A common cause with periodontitis and aggressive brushing. Enamel wear — from a hard brush, abrasive toothpaste, a habit of chewing hard things, or bruxism (grinding at night). Wedge-shaped defects — notches near the gum line. Acid erosion — citrus, juices, fizzy drinks, sour foods. Temporary sensitivity — after professional hygiene or whitening, which passes within a few days.

When it is decay, not “just sensitivity”

Sensitivity of one specific tooth, especially to sweet, is a common sign of decay that does not hurt yet. Other things that should alert you: a reaction that intensifies over time; sensitivity on only one side; a visible spot or darkening on the tooth; food getting stuck in one place. In these cases toothpaste for sensitive teeth only masks the problem while the decay keeps deepening. So sensitivity that does not pass within 1–2 weeks is a reason to see a doctor.

What you can do at home

If the sensitivity is mild and appeared recently, start simple: switch to toothpaste for sensitive teeth (with potassium nitrate or fluoride compounds) and use it constantly, not as a course — the effect is cumulative, over 2–4 weeks. Get a soft brush and brush without pressure, with sweeping motions rather than “sawing” across. Do not brush right after something acidic (juice, citrus) — wait 30 minutes, otherwise the softened enamel wears away faster. Cut down on acidic drinks.

How sensitivity is treated at the clinic

If home measures have not helped within a few weeks, the doctor first finds the cause — and treats that, not the symptom. The approach depends on what is found: fluoridation and applying desensitisers that “seal” the dentine tubules; filling wedge-shaped defects and cavities; for necks exposed through gum inflammation — treatment of periodontitis and professional hygiene; a night guard for bruxism if grinding is to blame. Often a few fluoridation sessions are enough to make the teeth “go quiet”.

What it costs

It all starts with a consultation — from UAH 590 — at which the doctor determines the cause. The scope then depends on it: fluoridation costs little, while filling a defect or treating the gums is counted separately. The exact figure is quoted after the examination. The main thing is not to suppress sensitivity with toothpaste for years but to deal with the cause once. The services are on the pages therapy and whitening.

Frequently asked questions