Beneath the enamel is dentine — a tissue threaded with microscopic tubules that lead straight to the tooth’s nerve. If enamel or the cementum below the gum has worn away, those tubules are open and cold, heat or sweetness reaches the nerve directly. Hence the sharp pain.
An important distinction: brief or lasting pain
- Brief pain that fades within seconds of removing the trigger — ordinary sensitivity. Unpleasant, but not dangerous.
- Lasting pain that continues for minutes, starts on its own or wakes you at night — a sign of pulpitis, requiring root canal treatment.
This distinction is the most useful thing you can assess yourself.
Why enamel or gum covering wears away
- Gum recession. The tooth neck becomes exposed. It is covered by cementum, which is far softer than enamel and wears quickly.
- Brushing too hard. A hard brush and horizontal sawing wear the tooth neck — creating wedge-shaped notches.
- Acidic food and drink. Citrus, fizzy drinks, energy drinks, wine. Also frequent reflux.
- Bruxism. Grinding wears enamel and flexes the tooth neck.
- Whitening. Temporary sensitivity that passes within days.
- After a filling or cleaning. Also temporary.
What genuinely helps
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Contains potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which seal the dentine tubules. The effect builds over 2–4 weeks, so it has to be used consistently.
- Rub the paste directly onto the sensitive spot with a finger before bed and do not rinse.
- Soft brush and correct technique. Small circular movements, not sawing. A pressure sensor on an electric brush helps.
- Do not brush straight after something acidic. Wait 30 minutes — brushing softened enamel wears it away.
- Fluoride varnish in the chair. Preventive procedure up to 4 teeth — €15.
- A night guard, if the cause is bruxism.
When you need a dentist
- Pain lasts longer than a couple of seconds or arises on its own.
- One specific tooth is sensitive rather than several.
- Sensitivity appeared suddenly and is severe.
- The tooth is sensitive when biting — this can indicate a crack.
- Home measures do not help within 4 weeks.
Sudden sensitivity in a single tooth often means decay, a leaking filling or a crack — not general sensitivity.
Book an examination at Unidenta in Tallinn if sensitivity persists or worsens.