Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and the Best Modern Treatments
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
27 June, 2025
Tooth sensitivity is a condition where your teeth begins to ache or pain or feels raw and exposed when you eat or drink anything that is too sticky, hot, cold or sour, though other kinds of foods can also elicit the same reaction. Tooth sensitivity affects about 25-30% of the Indian population and this is due to a variety of factors like lifestyle, poor oral hygiene and age, among others.
Why Are My Teeth Suddenly Sensitive?
Your teeth may suddenly feel sensitive because the top most layer of the enamel has been eroded and the bottom layer of dentin has been exposed. The pain can feel sharp or deep and can affect your ability to eat or drink foods or drinks comfortably. Your tooth is composed of different layers and when the top most dentinal layers get eroded, the nerve endings in the pulp inside get exposed. The dentin layer has tubules which allow this sensation to get carried to the pulp inside and if not treated, you may have to deal with cavities, cracked teeth or gum issues in the future.
Is Tooth Sensitivity A Sign Of Decay?
Yes, if you don’t address the sensitivity soon, you may have to deal with tooth pain and decay later on. Tooth sensitivity can be due to gum recession or having gum disease, having cracked or chipped teeth, if you have bruxism, if you have too much plaque and if you eat very acidic or cold or hot foods. For some people, it may be a side effect of getting some other dental issue treated. If you however only have sensitivity and no cavity, then it may be due to wear and tear and going for specially formulated toothpastes can be useful.
Desensitising Toothpaste That Actually Works
Toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate, fluoride calcium carbonate, arginine or strontium chloride can be useful additions to your routine. Just remember to dab some paste on the affected tooth and leave it overnight. Observe if you notice reduced sensitivity the next day or repeat it again. These toothpastes are designed to form a layer on the tooth to strengthen it and to stop stimuli from reaching the pulp.
Modern Dental Treatments For Sensitivity
You can use fluoridated toothpastes, fluoride varnishes, dentin sealers or dental bonding to help deal with the symptoms. With dental bonding, a resin that is the same colour as your tooth is applied on top and allowed to dry completely. It is completely reversible too, which is a main advantage with this technique. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is now being used to help treat chronic sensitivity as the lasers can help improve circulation and remineralisation of the tooth dentin. It can help you stay pain free for 3-6 months but may not be very suitable for longer.
High level laser therapy may also be used or different techniques may be combined with laser treatment to get optimal results.
Conclusion
Tooth sensitivity can be annoying and downright painful if not treated soon. It is important to understand that the sensitivity may NOT always be due to decay alone. It may be due to the usage of hard bristled brushes, brushing too hard, grinding of teeth due to stress or related factors too. The important thing is to go to the dentist and see why you have the sensitivity, so that the root cause for it can be treated. Good oral hygiene cannot be emphasised enough, so brush twice a day, floss everyday and use an alcohol free mouthwash to help get rid of food particles and bad odour.
