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Sensitive & Sore Teeth

Sensitive and sore teeth is a common problem, that can be very unpleasant. Luckily, there are treatment options available.

Tooth decay, fractured and chipped teeth, abscesses, receding gums and poor dental care can all contribute to sore and sensitive teeth. Teeth sensitivity can come and go. It’s usually best to visit your dentist to get checked out, before it develops or becomes harder to treat. Treatment options can include avoiding particular food and drinks, using a special toothpaste and toothbrush and specialised treatments such as fillings, root canals, crowns and tooth extractions.

Symptoms of sensitive teeth

Often, pain or discomfort is the first sign of a deeper problem. The pain may come and go, or gradually worsen. You may notice sharp pain when you chew or increased pain when you drink hot or cold liquids. Sweet and acidic foods can also aggravate the sensitivity or soreness you're experiencing.

Sometimes, simply breathing with your mouth open, or going outside into the cold air can make the sensitivity or pain worse. Sensitivity in your teeth can mean the inner dentine layer of your tooth is exposed. This happens when the tooth's white outer layer of enamel enamel has worn away. 

Causes of sensitive teeth

Unprotected dentine is one of the biggest reasons you’ll experience tooth sensitivity. This can happen for a number of reasons. Common causes include tooth decay, receding gums, chips or cracks in your tooth and a build up of plaque. Other causes can be:

  • Acidic food, drink or mouthwash
  • Bruxism, or grinding and clenching your teeth
  • Brushing your teeth too hard
  • Some tooth whitening products

Maintain regular visits to your dentist and hygienist to help keep you on top of your oral health habits. Sometimes we can all do with a regular reminder about the best care routines for healthy teeth. 

Get prepared

When you book at one of our dental practices for sore or sensitive teeth, you just want your pain to end. That’s understandable. It’s useful to think ahead about what your dentist will need to know to diagnose and treat you.


Your dentist will ask you some questions about the pain, such as:

  • When did the pain start?
  • How severe is it?
  • Where do you feel sensitivity?
  • What makes it worse?
  • What makes it better?


Have questions?

The price of treating sensitive and sore teeth varies, depending on what is causing the pain. Tooth pain can be a symptom of something serious, so we recommend that you see a dentist to check it out. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause and advise you about the cost of treatment. When you book online, simply select an appointment for sensitive teeth.

There can be a number of reasons why you’re experiencing sensitive teeth. Most often, it’s because the dentine, or inner layer of your tooth, is exposed. This can be caused by brushing your teeth too hard, or eating and drinking too much hot, cold, acidic or sugary food and drinks. Sometimes it's from a more serious problem with your teeth, such as tooth decay or gum disease. We recommend you book an appointment with your dentist to discuss the pain and sensitivity you're experiencing.

As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Use a soft toothbrush and maintain regular, good dental habits at home to ensure optimal oral health. Reduce your intake of acidic and sugary food and drink. Switching to a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help to reduce the sensitivity or soreness you’re experiencing. However, this may only mask a bigger problem, as you may have an underlying issue with your teeth than needs attention. We recommend you visit your dentist to get it checked out.

It has been reported that there are more cases of sore and sensitive teeth during spring than other months of the year. Extra pollen and dust in the air at this time of year can cause hay fever and sinus problems, which can result in sore teeth and gums. Hay fever can inflame the sinus area and this can put pressure on your teeth. The pain can be so bad that people think they have a serious dental problem. It may come down to hay fever or your sinuses, but we do recommend visiting your dentist or GP to check it out.


Yes. You can greatly reduce your chances of developing sensitive teeth by taking good care of your oral health. That means a combination of at-home dental care and building a great relationship with your dentist.




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