Do you drink cold water and feel a sharp pain in your teeth? Such discomfort can effectively spoil the pleasure of eating and drinking. Good news? The problem of sensitive teeth can be managed – you just need to learn proven methods that bring quick relief.
Tooth sensitivity – what are the symptoms?
Tooth sensitivity manifests as sudden, sharp pain triggered by specific stimuli. You may feel discomfort when drinking hot coffee, eating ice cream, or even inhaling cold air through your mouth. This pain is brief but can be really intense.
The cause is exposed dentin – the layer beneath the enamel, full of microscopic tubules leading to the nerve. When enamel wears down or gums recede, cold and heat reach the nerve directly, causing the characteristic sharp, shooting pain [1].
Home remedies for sensitive teeth – what can you do today?
Change your brushing technique
Most people brush their teeth too hard, thinking they are cleaning them better. That's a mistake. Intense scrubbing gradually wears down enamel and contributes to gum recession. A light pressure is enough – circular motions and soft bristles do a better job than force [2].
Watch out for acidic products
Orange juice, wine, carbonated drinks – all these products contain acids that soften enamel. If you do drink something acidic, rinse your mouth with plain water and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Brushing immediately after consuming acidic products further damages softened enamel [3].
Simple tricks for sensitive teeth every day
Sometimes small changes in habits are enough:
- Drink beverages through a straw – this way you avoid sensitive front teeth.
- On cold days, breathe through your nose, not your mouth, so that icy air doesn't reach your teeth.
- Choose lukewarm water instead of cold – still refreshing, but drinking it doesn't hurt.
- And most importantly – make an appointment with your dentist. Sometimes sensitivity hides cavities that require treatment, not home remedies.
Products for sensitive teeth – what really works?
The best toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Specialist toothpastes contain ingredients that block tubules in dentin or reduce nerve sensitivity. Look for toothpastes with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Used regularly for 2–3 weeks with 1-2 minutes of brushing morning and evening, they reduce tooth sensitivity [4].
Fluoride mouth rinses
Treatment of tooth sensitivity often involves a combination of several products. Fluoride rinse strengthens enamel and creates an additional protective barrier [5]. Use it in the evening and morning after brushing; regularity is the foundation of effective healing.
Gels and varnishes at the dental office
If home remedies for sensitive teeth don't work, the dentist can apply a specialist varnish with a high fluoride content or a gel with calcium phosphate. These are professional products for sensitive teeth that work immediately and protect much longer than over-the-counter preparations [6].
Tooth sensitivity – what helps long-term?
Consistency is key. Sensitive teeth are not a problem solved in a week. Use specialist toothpaste daily for at least a month before evaluating the effects. Regularly visit the dentist – sometimes sensitivity hides cavities or tooth cracks that require treatment.
Daily oral hygiene is also important. If you don't have time and lack the proper technique, invest in the sonic-oscillating toothbrush ZENT® SoniQ+, which automatically performs the correct movements for you and measures brushing time.
Can't use dental floss properly and always hurt your gums? Try a water flosser with adjustable pressure that perfectly cleans interdental spaces; we especially recommend ZENT® Stream+.
It's also worth investing in protective splints if you grind your teeth at night. Bruxism mechanically wears down enamel and is one of the main causes of sensitivity, which many people are unaware of [7].
Tooth sensitivity is a frustrating problem, but it can be overcome. Start with the basics – gentle brushing, avoiding acidic products, and regular dentist visits. Add a specialist toothpaste with potassium nitrate and a fluoride rinse. If that's not enough, the dentist has professional solutions that work immediately. Remember – consistency is the key to healing.
FAQ – most common questions about tooth sensitivity
Does tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
No. Without proper treatment, the problem worsens because enamel does not regenerate on its own. The sooner you start acting, the sooner you'll feel relief.
How quickly do specialist toothpastes work?
You may notice the first effects after 3–5 days, but full improvement requires 2–4 weeks of regular use.
Can whitening toothpastes be used with sensitive teeth?
Better not. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive and chemical substances that further irritate exposed dentin. If you want a whiter smile, consult a dentist – there are methods safe for sensitive teeth.
What to do if the pain is very severe?
Make an appointment with the dentist immediately. Intense pain may indicate not only hypersensitivity but also pulpitis or tooth damage requiring urgent treatment.
NOTES:
[1] Canadian Dental Association. (2025). "Sensitive Teeth: Education for Patients and the Public." CDA-ADC Resources.
[2] Santhosh Kumar et al. (2025). "The Impact of Toothbrushing on Oral Health, Gingival Recession, and Tooth Wear—A Narrative Review." Healthcare.
[3] Carvalho, T. S., et al. (2020). "Acidic Beverages and Foods Associated with Dental Erosion and Erosive Tooth Wear." Monographs in Oral Science.
[4] Bae, J. et al. (2015). "Desensitizing toothpaste versus placebo for dentin hypersensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
[5] Brookes, Z. et al. (2023). "Mouthwashes: Implications for Practice." International Dental Journal.
[6] Ibrahim, P. E. et al. (2022). "Efficacy of fluoride varnish containing xylitol coated calcium phosphate or potassium nitrate gel versus conventional fluoride varnish in management of hypersensitivity of exposed root surfaces in adult patients." International Journal of Health Sciences.
[7] Li, Y. et al. (2018). "Associations among Bruxism, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and Tooth Wear." Journal of Clinical Medicine.
