General Dentistry · Tower Dental Blackpool

Sensitive Teeth
Treatment

Sharp pain when eating cold or hot food? Tooth sensitivity is common, treatable, and should not be ignored — it often indicates an underlying problem.

Consultation £40.

What causes sensitivity?

Sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of the tooth (dentine) becomes exposed — usually through enamel erosion, receding gums, tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or worn fillings. The dentine contains microscopic tubules that connect to the nerve. When exposed to hot, cold, sweet or acidic stimuli, the nerve reacts with a sharp, sudden pain.

Occasional mild sensitivity after whitening or a dental procedure is normal and temporary. Persistent sensitivity — especially to hot temperatures or sensitivity that lingers — may indicate a deeper problem such as decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth, or active gum disease.

How we treat it

Your dentist identifies the cause with examination and X-rays. Treatment depends on the diagnosis: desensitising varnish for exposed dentine, a filling for decay, a crown for a cracked tooth, gum grafting for severe recession, or root canal if the nerve is damaged.

For general sensitivity without an underlying cause, your dentist may recommend a desensitising toothpaste (such as Sensodyne), fluoride varnish application, and dietary changes to reduce acid erosion. Most sensitivity improves significantly with targeted treatment.

When to call us

Book a check-up if sensitivity persists for more than a few days, affects specific teeth, or is triggered by hot food. Sensitivity to heat is more clinically significant than cold — it may indicate nerve involvement.