Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, What’s Normal, What’s Not
TOOTH SENSITIVITY: CAUSES, WHAT’S NORMAL, WHAT’S NOT (Edmonds, WA)
Tooth sensitivity often feels like a quick, sharp “zing” when something cold, hot, sweet, or acidic hits a tooth. Sometimes it is minor and manageable. Sometimes it is your tooth signaling a real problem.
WHAT TOOTH SENSITIVITY CAN FEEL LIKE
Common triggers include cold drinks, hot coffee, sweet foods, brushing, or cold air. The key is not just what triggers it, but how long it lasts and whether it is getting worse.
WHAT SENSITIVITY IS “NORMAL” VS NOT NORMAL
Normal-ish sensitivity usually looks like this:
Short, sharp pain that lasts a few seconds
Triggered by cold air, cold drinks, or brushing
Improves with sensitivity toothpaste within 2–4 weeks
Not normal sensitivity usually looks like this:
Pain that lingers 30+ seconds after cold or heat
Spontaneous pain with no trigger
Pain that wakes you up at night
Pain when biting or especially on release
One specific tooth that is steadily getting worse
If you match the “not normal” list, get an exam. That pattern can mean decay, a crack, a leaking filling, or nerve inflammation.
MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY
Exposed dentin from enamel wear
Enamel is the protective outer layer. When it thins, the underlying layer (dentin) is more reactive. Common causes: aggressive brushing, hard bristles, abrasive toothpaste, frequent acidic drinks, and grinding or clenching.
Gum recession and exposed root surfaces
Roots are not protected by enamel like the top of the tooth. When gums recede, the root surface becomes sensitive quickly.
Cavities or “leaking” fillings
Decay often causes cold and sweet sensitivity. Older fillings can develop microleakage that irritates the tooth.
Cracks and bite sensitivity
Cracks often cause sharp pain when biting or releasing your bite. Many patients describe it as “one tooth feels off.”
Recent dental treatment
Fillings, crowns, whitening, and deep cleanings can cause temporary sensitivity. It should trend better, not worse.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME FIRST
Switch to a soft toothbrush and lighten your pressure
Use a sensitivity toothpaste daily (at night: spit, do not rinse)
Cut down frequent sipping of acidic drinks (soda, energy drinks, citrus water)
If you grind or clench, consider a nightguard evaluation
Do not scrub harder to fix sensitivity. That often makes it worse.
WHAT WE CAN DO IN-OFFICE
The right treatment depends on the cause. Options may include:
Fluoride varnish or desensitizers on exposed areas
Bonding or sealing exposed root surfaces
Bite adjustment if a high spot is overloading a tooth
Replacing a failing filling or treating decay
Evaluating cracks and protecting the tooth with a crown if indicated
If the nerve is irreversibly inflamed, discussing root canal treatment
WHEN TO CALL US
Sensitivity that worsens week to week
Sensitivity with biting pain or a cracked feeling
Lingering heat sensitivity
Swelling, bad taste, or spontaneous throbbing pain
BOTTOM LINE
Tooth sensitivity is common. Persistent, localized, or worsening sensitivity is not something to ignore. The fastest path is identifying whether it is dentin exposure, gum recession, decay, a crack, or a bite issue.
If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity and want a clear diagnosis and plan, schedule an evaluation at Complete Dentistry in Edmonds, WA. Call us at 425-361-1343 or book online on the top right button.