Will Tooth Sensitivity Go Away?
Posted on November 8th, 2024 | Christopher Neal
Tooth sensitivity is a common issue for both kids and adults, and it can appear suddenly or gradually over time. But can a sensitive tooth go away?
The answer depends on what’s causing the sensitivity in the first place. In many cases, sensitivity can improve with the right habits, treatments, and guidance from a dental professional.
In this blog, we’ll explain why we have sensitive teeth, the most common causes, and how to help your teeth feel less sensitive.
Why Do We Have Sensitive Teeth?
To understand why teeth become sensitive, it helps to know a little about tooth structure. Each healthy tooth is covered by enamel—the strong outer layer that protects the softer dentin underneath. Dentin contains tiny openings, called tubules, that lead to the tooth’s nerve. If the enamel becomes thin or damaged, sensations like cold, heat, pressure, or sweets can travel more easily to the nerve, causing sharp or lingering pain.
There are several reasons enamel becomes compromised. In some cases, the sensitivity is temporary. In others, it can signal a dental issue that needs treatment.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel Wear
Everyday habits can wear down enamel over time. Brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or grinding your teeth at night can gradually weaken the protective layer. As enamel thins, your teeth can become more sensitive.
Cavities
Tooth decay opens a pathway straight to the dentin. A cavity may start small, but even a minor spot of decay can trigger sharp pain when you eat cold or sweet foods. Treating the cavity often resolves this sensitivity.
Gum Recession
Gums can pull away from teeth because of genetics, brushing aggressively, or gum inflammation. When your gums recede, the root becomes exposed. This makes them more vulnerable to sudden temperature changes and discomfort.
Cracked or Damaged Teeth
Small cracks may be nearly impossible to see, yet they can still cause sensitivity. Biting down on something hard, grinding your teeth, or past injuries can all create tiny fractures that irritate the nerve.
Orthodontic Treatment
Adjustments from braces or aligners can make your teeth feel more sensitive than usual. This type of sensitivity is expected and usually fades within a few days.
Recent Dental Treatments
Fillings, crowns, cleanings, and whitening treatments can all temporarily irritate the tooth. This sensitivity is typically mild and improves after a couple of days.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Frequent exposure to acidic foods—such as citrus, soda, vinegar-based snacks, and sports drinks—softens enamel over time. This makes your teeth more reactive to cold, heat, and sweets.
Can a Sensitive Tooth Go Away?
In many cases, a sensitive tooth can go away, especially if the cause is temporary. Sensitivity due to whitening treatments, orthodontic adjustments, and minor enamel irritation often improves with time.
However, if sensitivity is caused by decay, gum recession, a crack, or significant enamel wear, it typically will not go away on its own. In these situations, it’s important to see a dentist for treatment.
A good rule of thumb is this: if your sensitivity lasts longer than a few days, keeps returning, or seems to be getting worse, it’s time to schedule a dental exam. Early treatment is the best way to prevent larger issues down the line.
How to Help Sensitive Teeth
Here are some tips for reducing sensitivity in teeth:
Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste
Toothpastes made for sensitive teeth help block the pathways that send sensations to the nerve. Using them consistently—usually for a few weeks—can significantly reduce discomfort.
Switch to a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Soft bristles protect enamel and are gentle on gums. Pairing a soft brush with light pressure is one of the simplest ways to prevent further sensitivity.
Check Brushing Technique
Brushing should be thorough but gentle. Pressing too hard can wear down enamel and cause gums to recede over time. Small, circular motions are safer than aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing.
Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks
Cutting back on soda, citrus, and other acidic foods helps protect enamel. Rinsing with water after eating acidic snacks can also reduce enamel erosion.
Try Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity. Many children benefit from in-office fluoride applications or using fluoride mouthwash at home.
Protect Teeth from Grinding
If your child grinds their teeth at night, a custom mouthguard may help prevent enamel wear and discomfort.
Address Dental Problems Promptly
Cavities, cracks, and gum issues won’t heal on their own. Treating them quickly is the most effective way to stop sensitivity and protect long-term oral health.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist for Sensitivity
If your child’s sensitivity is sudden, severe, or persistent, it’s important to have their teeth evaluated by a pediatric dentist. A dental exam can identify the cause and determine the best way to relieve discomfort. Early care is especially important for children because their enamel is thinner than adults’, making them more prone to tooth sensitivity.
Help Your Child Find Relief from Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your child’s daily life. With the right care—and guidance from a pediatric dentist—you can protect their smile and prevent sensitivity from returning.
If your child has ongoing tooth sensitivity or discomfort, our team at Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help. Call us today at (630) 348-9888 to schedule an appointment and let us bring comfort back to your child’s smile.
