The short answer
What to know first
Temperature sensitivity can happen when dentine is exposed, but it can also relate to decay, a crack, gum recession, worn enamel, a filling problem or inflammation inside a tooth. Persistent, localised or worsening sensitivity needs assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
How sensitivity can happen
Enamel protects the visible crown of a tooth, while the root has a different protective covering. If the underlying dentine becomes exposed, temperature, touch or certain foods can trigger a sharp sensation through tiny channels in that tissue.
Sensitivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The same feeling can come from problems that need different treatment.
Possible causes
Possible causes include exposed root surfaces, worn enamel, tooth decay, a cracked tooth, a worn or leaking restoration, gum disease, recent dental treatment or changes inside the dental pulp. Only an examination can distinguish these possibilities.
Patterns to notice
Before the visit, notice whether the feeling affects one tooth or several, whether cold, heat, sweets, biting or brushing triggers it, how long it lasts, and whether there is spontaneous pain, swelling or a recent restoration or injury.
Do not repeatedly test a painful tooth with extreme temperatures. Record the pattern and arrange assessment if it persists or concerns you.
How a dentist assesses it
The dentist reviews the symptom pattern and examines the teeth, gums, bite and restorations. Clinical tests and a digital dental X-ray may be used when indicated to help identify the source.
A sensitivity diagnosis should account for nearby teeth because the painful location is not always the source.
Treatment overview
Treatment depends on the cause. The plan may involve oral-hygiene changes, a desensitizing or fluoride approach, management of diet or brushing forces, a filling or other restoration, gum-related care, root-canal treatment, monitoring or another option.
A product that helps exposed dentine will not repair every crack, cavity or inflamed pulp, which is why persistent symptoms should be assessed.
When to seek prompt care
Arrange prompt dental assessment if sensitivity becomes spontaneous or severe, lingers, affects biting or sleep, follows an injury, or comes with swelling, a bad taste or a broken tooth. Rapidly increasing swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, or severe systemic illness requires urgent appropriate healthcare attention.
Frequently asked questions
References
- Sensitive Teeth — Heat and Cold Sensitivity — American Dental Association MouthHealthy. Accessed . Opens in a new tab.
Medical review information
This guide is an editorial draft awaiting documented clinical review. It was last updated on . A reviewer name and last-reviewed date will appear only after approval.