Treatment

Tooth sensitivity treatment

Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet has several possible causes, and they need different treatments: worn enamel, receding gums exposing the root, a cracked tooth, a failing filling, or decay that has reached close to the nerve. Desensitising toothpaste helps with some of those and does nothing for others, which is why sensitivity that persists for more than a couple of weeks is worth diagnosing rather than managing indefinitely. The pattern tells you a lot. Generalised sensitivity across many teeth usually points to enamel wear or exposed roots, often from brushing too hard or acidic drinks. Sensitivity concentrated on one tooth, particularly if it lingers for more than a few seconds after the trigger or wakes you at night, points at that specific tooth and needs looking at properly.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Binaya Bhandari, Owner and Dental Surgeon, NMC 20701. Last updated 16 August 2026.

Woman wincing and holding her cheek from sharp tooth sensitivity to something cold — Sharp pain from cold or sweet food has a cause worth finding.

When do you need this treatment?

A sharp jolt with cold water, ice or cold air
Discomfort with sweet or sour food
Sensitivity concentrated on one tooth rather than spread across several
Pain that lingers for more than a few seconds after the trigger

What happens during your visit?

1Examination and X-ray to separate worn enamel from decay or a crack
2Treatment of the cause: a filling, gum treatment, or a desensitising application
3Advice on brushing pressure, technique and acidic foods
4A review to confirm the sensitivity has actually settled

What happens if you leave it untreated?

Sensitivity from worn enamel or exposed roots tends to worsen gradually as more surface is lost. Sensitivity caused by decay or a crack always worsens, and lingering pain in one tooth often means the nerve is already involved, which is the difference between a filling and a root canal.

What is recovery like?

Depends on the cause. Desensitising treatments usually take a few applications over some weeks to take full effect. Sensitivity following a new filling is common and normally settles within a few weeks; sensitivity that increases rather than fades should be reported.

General guidance only. Your own recovery depends on your case, and the dentist treating you will tell you what to expect.

Questions you might have

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment

Does sensitive teeth toothpaste actually work?

For sensitivity caused by exposed dentine, the layer under your enamel, or by receding gums, yes, but it usually takes two to four weeks of consistent use rather than working immediately. It does nothing for sensitivity caused by decay, a crack or a failing filling, which is why persistent sensitivity should be examined.

Why is only one tooth sensitive?

Sensitivity localised to a single tooth is more concerning than generalised sensitivity. It commonly points to decay, a crack, a failing restoration or an inflamed nerve in that specific tooth, and it should be X-rayed rather than treated with toothpaste.

Can brushing harder help clean sensitive teeth?

No, and it is often the cause. Hard brushing with a stiff brush wears enamel at the gum line and pushes the gums back, exposing root surface that has no enamel on it at all. A soft brush and light pressure clean just as effectively.

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