Identify the pattern
Assessment can help separate general sensitivity from a problem involving one tooth.
Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth can be caused by gum recession, enamel wear, cracks, decay or recent dental work, and the right next step depends on the pattern.
Review required by Newstead Dental Co Updated 2026-07-28
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitivity can feel minor, but it is useful to understand the pattern. Short sensitivity to cold may have a different meaning from lingering pain, pain when biting, or sensitivity around one tooth.
What you may be worried about
- Sensitivity may mean decay, a crack or nerve inflammation.
- The problem may worsen if the cause is not addressed.
- You may not know whether whitening, brushing or gum recession is involved.
Possible causes
- Gum recession or exposed root surfaces.
- Enamel wear from brushing, grinding or acidic drinks.
- Tooth decay, cracks or leaking fillings.
- Recent dental treatment or whitening.
When to treat this as urgent
Urgency level: routine
- Sensitivity becomes severe, spontaneous or lingering.
- Sensitivity is isolated to one tooth and worsening.
- There is swelling, trauma, a broken tooth or pain when biting.
What to do now
- Track whether cold sensitivity is brief or lingers after the cold has gone.
- Use a soft toothbrush and avoid scrubbing hard around sensitive gumlines.
- Book an assessment if sensitivity is isolated to one tooth, worsening, or lingering.
What to avoid
- Do not keep whitening if sensitivity is increasing.
- Do not ignore cold sensitivity that changes into spontaneous pain or biting pain.
When to arrange a dental assessment
- Arrange an assessment if sensitivity persists, is one-sided, or is linked with decay, cracks, recession, or recent dental work.
What a dentist may need to assess
- Gum recession, enamel wear, cracks, decay, leaking restorations, and whether the nerve response is normal.
Options that may be considered
Desensitising care
Some sensitivity can be managed with home care changes or desensitising products.
Repair or protection
Fillings, bonding or other protection may be considered if tooth structure is exposed or damaged.
What we would consider before recommending treatment
- Whether sensitivity is general or limited to one tooth.
- Whether pain lingers after cold, heat or sweets.
- Gum position, enamel wear, cracks, decay and existing fillings.
If it were our own teeth
If it were our own teeth, we would want to know whether the sensitivity is a surface problem or a sign of deeper tooth damage before choosing treatment.
A sensible next step
Book an appointment if sensitivity is persistent, worsening, isolated to one tooth, or linked with biting pain.
Possible next steps
- Home care changes, desensitising products, repair, protective bonding, or further tooth testing may be discussed.
Choosing the next step
Use the emergency pathway only when the problem may need urgent review.
For routine, planned, or unclear but non-urgent concerns, book a normal appointment. For swelling, trauma, severe pain, bleeding, or a broken tooth that cannot wait, use the emergency assessment instead.
Common questions
Can sensitive teeth settle?
Some sensitivity can settle with the right home care, but persistent or worsening sensitivity should be assessed.
Is sensitivity always decay?
No. Sensitivity can come from gum recession, enamel wear, cracks, decay, whitening or recent dental treatment.
Want us to assess your situation?
Book when you feel ready to understand the problem, options and next step.