Treating Sensitive Teeth (2024)

How to Relieve Sensitive Teeth

Whether you’ve toughed it out or made small changes, like chewing on one side of your mouth, you may have figured out how to deal with your sensitive teeth – but there are more effective ways.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the softer inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed. The dentin layer contains tubules that lead to the nerve inside the teeth. This can occur if the enamel (the protective outer layer of your tooth) wears away or the gum recedes, allowing triggers like hot, cold or sweet substances to reach the nerves and cause a painful sensation.i

By taking steps to avoid damaging your enamel and gums, you can help to reduce tooth sensitivity. Or, if you already have sensitive teeth, there are a number of ways you can manage the discomfort when eating hot or cold foods.

Switching to a daily sensitivity toothpaste likeSensodyne is an easy way to reduce tooth sensitivity and enjoy the foods and drinks you lovewithout thinking twice.Sensodyne toothpastes contain either potassium nitrate, which soothes the nerves and reduces pain signals, or stannous fluoride, which builds a protective layer over exposed dentin to block triggers from reaching the nerves. All Sensodynetoothpastesalso containfluorideto provide protection from tooth decay and strengthen teeth.ii

Learn what you can do to help prevent sensitive tooth pain from starting, or how to get relief if you already experience sensitivity, below.

Daily Care for Sensitive Teeth

Treating your sensitive teeth on a daily basis is very important as, once tooth enamel is worn away, it cannot repair itself. This leaves dentin exposed, which can lead to sensitivity.iii

Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee immediate relief from tooth sensitivity pain. However, by taking the following steps, you can help to avoid additional damage to your enamel – and also get some pain relief for your sensitive teeth.

Treating Sensitive Teeth (2024)

FAQs

Treating Sensitive Teeth? ›

Teeth Sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity can occur when you consume hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. Pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into tooth nerve endings. Treatments include fluoride, desensitizing toothpaste and dental bonding.

How can I fix my sensitive teeth fast? ›

10 Easy Home Remedies to Get Relief from Sensitive Teeth
  1. Desensitizing Toothpaste. esensitizing toothpaste can help relieve pain and prevent it from traveling to your brain. ...
  2. Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash. ...
  3. Green Tea. ...
  4. Honey and Warm Water. ...
  5. Capsaicin. ...
  6. Turmeric. ...
  7. Saltwater Rinse. ...
  8. Vanilla Extract.
Sep 12, 2021

What is the treatment for sensitive teeth? ›

Teeth Sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity can occur when you consume hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. Pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into tooth nerve endings. Treatments include fluoride, desensitizing toothpaste and dental bonding.

How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately with medicine? ›

If your tooth feels sensitive, the following products can alleviate any pain or discomfort of your sensitive teeth.
  1. SenzAway Tooth Desensitizing Gel. ...
  2. DenTek Instant Pain Relief Maximum Strength. ...
  3. Crest Pro-Health Sensi-Stop Tooth Sensitivity Relief Strips. ...
  4. Orajel Instant Pain Relief Cream. ...
  5. Zilactin-B Oral Pain Reliever.
Jan 3, 2018

How do dentists fix sensitive teeth? ›

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:
  1. Desensitizing toothpaste. ...
  2. Fluoride gel. ...
  3. A crown, inlay or bonding. ...
  4. Surgical gum graft. ...
  5. Root canal.

Can you reverse tooth sensitivity? ›

Dental bonding or sealants: If tooth sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin due to receding gums or enamel erosion, your dentist may recommend applying dental bonding or sealants to cover and protect the exposed surfaces. Fluoride: Fluoride helps further strengthen your tooth enamel and overcome tooth sensitivity.

How do I stop my teeth from hurting ASAP? ›

Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the affected area can reduce swelling and numb the pain. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Rinsing with a solution of equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

What can I buy for sensitive teeth? ›

Depending on your situation, your dentist might recommend:
  • Desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash. These products may help block the pain of sensitive teeth. ...
  • Fluoride. Your dentist may apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth. ...
  • Dental adhesives or sealants. ...
  • Gum graft.

What painkiller is best for sensitive teeth? ›

Over the counter painkillers: If your teeth are sensitive, toothaches may be alleviated with pain medication such as Ibuprofen, which will help numb the pain and reduce inflammation.

How to calm an irritated tooth nerve? ›

Benzocaine or Lidocaine oral gel: These topical anesthetics can provide temporary relief by numbing the affected area. Apply a small amount directly to the painful tooth and gum area as directed on the packaging. Clove oil: Clove oil has natural numbing properties and has been used for tooth pain relief for many years.

What deficiency causes sensitive teeth? ›

It has been identified that some vitamin deficiencies can lead to sensitive teeth. Apparently, these vitamins include calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Calcium is a known vitamin that helps build bones. If the body lacks calcium, it will start to extract calcium from the bones and teeth, making them weaker.

Does Sensodyne really work? ›

Yes. Sensodyne is a daily toothpaste specially formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity* and is the #1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth. Use it every day to help relieve tooth sensitivity and to also keep it from returning.

Can tooth sensitivity go away? ›

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you know how difficult it can be to eat certain foods. There is hope though – in some cases, tooth sensitivity can go away on its own! This is especially true if the sensitivity is due to a recent dental procedure, like a filling or root canal.

Can salt water help sensitive teeth? ›

A salt water rinse is an easy way to relieve mild discomfort or pain caused by tooth sensitivity. Rinsing your teeth with warm salt water a few times a day can help reduce any inflammation as well.

How to stop tooth pain fast? ›

To ease toothache quickly, a person can rinse their mouth using salt water or hydrogen peroxide. They can then apply OTC topical medications or clove oil to numb the affected area and use an ice pack. A person should always consult a dentist if tooth pain persists, regardless of the severity of the pain.

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