COLD
A twinge that fades
The Pharmaceutical Journal describes the typical pain as sharp, instant and lasting a few seconds, easing once the cold is removed. Cold drinks and cold air are classic triggers.
Check a twingeWHAT THE GUIDANCE SAYS
A sharp twinge,
explained.
Sensitive teeth are common, and the cause sits under the enamel.
Check a twinge
COMMONbut worth checking
Cold drinks, sweet or acidic food, a breath of cold air or simply touch can set off a short, sharp pain. This independent guide explains what UK dental organisations say is happening and when guidance says to see a dentist.
At a glance
- Enamel protects dentine
- Gums cover the roots
- New pain, see a dentist
- Know the signs, not the cure
60%
Adults with at least one sensitive tooth
In a study of 3,187 adults across Europe, 40% reported a painful response to cold air, and on examination 60% had at least one sensitive tooth.
SENSITIVITY · EUROPE
≈ 30%
Adults with signs of acid erosion
A study in seven European countries found around 30% of adults had signs of acid erosion, which can strip enamel and expose dentine.
ACID WEAR · EUROPE
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
More common
than people think.
Both figures come from European studies
summarised in the Pharmaceutical Journal.
The Pharmaceutical Journal says sensitivity is most common at ages 18 to 35 and in women, and the British Society of Periodontology puts it at around 40% of people.
A QUICK TWINGE CHECK
What does the
twinge feel like?
Pick a pattern to see what UK dental guidance says about it. The bar shows how strongly the guidance points to seeing a dentist.
Based on Oral Health Foundation and NHS information. This is general information, not medical or dental advice; only a dental professional can find the cause.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Exposed dentine
is the usual story.
Dentine is full of tiny channels to the nerve.
When enamel or gums no longer cover it, it can react.
General information only, not medical advice. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.
ACID
Wear you cannot undo
Acid from food, drinks or stomach acid can dissolve enamel. Once enamel is lost it cannot be reformed, and the dentine beneath is left more exposed.
See the numbers
BRUSHING
Too hard can hurt
The Oral Health Foundation lists brushing too hard or with a hard toothbrush and gum recession among the common causes of sensitive teeth.
What guidance says
WHAT UK GUIDANCE MENTIONS
Habits the guidance
keeps coming back to.
These are general points from NHS and Oral Health Foundation pages, not a treatment plan. A dentist is the person to work out the cause.
Brush gently
The Oral Health Foundation mentions a soft toothbrush and small circular movements, as hard brushing is a listed cause.
Wait after acidic food
It suggests waiting at least 1 hour after acidic food or drinks before brushing.
Spit, do not rinse
Both the NHS and the Oral Health Foundation say to spit after brushing rather than rinse.
Keep check-ups going
The NHS advises regular check-ups, and a visit if you have not had one for 2 years (1 year if under 18).
INSIDE THE TOOTH
Tiny channels,
a nerve at the end.
Enamel up to 2 to 3 mm thick covers the dentine, which is full of millions of tubules a few micrometres wide. When they are exposed, fluid inside moves with cold, heat or touch and excites the nerve in the pulp.
Healthy gums and intact enamel normally seal the tubules. Many other dental problems feel similar, which is why the British Society of Periodontology says a dentist needs to rule out other causes. This site is an independent informational guide, not a dental practice.
Questions
Questions people ask
Why do my teeth hurt with cold drinks?
Sensitivity usually comes from exposed dentine. Its tiny tubules lead to the nerve, and cold makes the fluid inside them move, which the nerve feels as a short, sharp pain.
What causes dentine to become exposed?
The Oral Health Foundation lists hard brushing, gum recession, acid wear, brushing straight after acidic food or drink, gum disease, grinding, cracked teeth and tooth whitening, which usually causes temporary sensitivity.
Can lost enamel grow back?
No. The Pharmaceutical Journal notes that once enamel is lost it cannot be reformed, which is why acid wear raises the risk of sensitivity over time.
When does guidance say to see a dentist?
The Oral Health Foundation says to see a dentist if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, affects only one tooth or comes on suddenly. The NHS says the same for toothache lasting more than 2 days.
Is sensitivity more common with age?
The Oral Health Foundation says it becomes more common as we get older because gums naturally recede, although the Pharmaceutical Journal reports it is most common between 18 and 35.
Sources
Where the facts come from
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