You reach for a scoop of ice cream. Instead of enjoyment, you get a sharp jolt of pain shooting through your teeth. Or it's hot coffee. Or a breath of cold air.

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental complaints. It is also one of the most ignored — because it comes and goes, and patients assume it's normal.

It is not normal. And it does not have to be your normal.

Under your enamel is a layer called dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubes that connect to the nerve at the centre of the tooth. When enamel thins — or when gums recede — those tubes get exposed.

Hot, cold, sweet, or acidic things travel down those tubes and hit the nerve. You feel it as pain. The technical name for this is dentin hypersensitivity.

Enamel erosion. Acidic foods and drinks — citrus, soda, wine — dissolve enamel over time. Once it's gone, it's gone. Enamel does not regenerate.

Aggressive brushing. Brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush grinds enamel away, especially near the gum line.

Gum recession. Receding gums expose the tooth root. The root has no enamel — just dentin directly exposed to the environment.

Teeth grinding. Chronic grinding wears enamel flat, removing the protective surface and exposing dentin.

Cracked teeth. A crack creates a direct pathway for temperature and pressure to reach the nerve.

Recent dental work. Cleanings, fillings, and whitening can cause temporary sensitivity. This usually settles within a few weeks.

Sensitivity is a symptom. It tells you something is happening to your teeth. Ignoring it means the underlying cause continues to get worse.

Enamel erosion progresses. Recession progresses. A cracked tooth can worsen under repeated pressure. The longer you wait, the fewer treatment options you have.

Desensitising toothpaste. Compounds like potassium nitrate block the nerve response. It takes a few weeks of consistent use to notice a difference. Use it twice daily — not just when you remember.

Fluoride treatment. Professional fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity. Your dentist can apply a high-concentration fluoride varnish.

Bonding or gum grafting. For exposed roots or severe erosion, these procedures physically cover the exposed dentin and stop the sensitivity at its source.

Night guard for grinding. If grinding is the cause, a custom-fitted guard prevents further enamel loss and often eliminates sensitivity entirely.

• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use a fluoride toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks — or rinse with water after consuming them
• Do not brush immediately after eating — acid softens enamel; wait 30–60 minutes
• Book a dental appointment to identify the specific cause of your sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity that doesn't settle with a specialist toothpaste after eight weeks needs professional attention. There is a specific cause — and we can identify it and treat it.

At Meads Village Dental Practice, we offer thorough sensitivity assessments, fluoride treatments, and gum grafting for exposed roots. Don't endure the pain. Let's fix it.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com