A sharp, brief pain triggered by hot, cold or sweet foods — common, and usually a sign of worn enamel or gum recession.
Tooth sensitivity is that sharp, brief jolt of pain triggered by hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods, caused when the protective enamel wears thin or gums recede, exposing the more sensitive layer of the tooth underneath. It's extremely common and, while often manageable with simple changes, can also signal an underlying issue worth checking.
Enamel can wear down from brushing too hard, acidic foods and drinks, or teeth grinding, while gum recession — which exposes the sensitive tooth root — can result from gum disease or aggressive brushing technique. Sensitivity limited to a single tooth is more likely to indicate decay or a cracked filling rather than general wear.
Switching to a soft-bristled brush, gentler technique, and a desensitising toothpaste resolves many cases over a few weeks of consistent use. Sensitivity that's severe, worsening, or confined to one tooth usually needs a dental check-up, since it may need a filling or other targeted treatment rather than just a change in toothpaste.
See our dentist if: sensitivity is severe, persistent, or limited to one tooth — it may need a filling or other treatment rather than just toothpaste.
