Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?

If you experience sudden tooth sensitivity, you may have a newly cracked tooth or a worsening dental issue, such as: ● Gum disease ● Tooth abscess ● Infection of the tooth pulp It’s best to visit your dentist as soon as possible if your teeth suddenly become sensitive.

How long does it take for sensitive teeth to heal?

If your sensitive teeth are due to a dental procedure, like getting a cavity filled, your teeth may be sensitive for a few days. But if it’s because of an underlying issue, like a crack in your tooth, you will need to fix the problem before the sensitivity goes away. This could take a few weeks.

Are there sensitive teeth remedies I can try at home?

If your sensitive teeth persist, it’s best to see your dentist to find out if an underlying cause is creating the problem. Until you see your dentist, you might want to try a home remedy to help alleviate your pain and discomfort. Here are a few suggestions: ● Saltwater rinse: Add half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of lukewarm water, swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. ● Honey and lukewarm water: Add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of lukewarm water, swish it in your mouth for a minute or two, and spit it out.

Learn About Teeth Sensitivity: Causes & Prevention

Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

06-19-2025

When you have sensitive teeth, you might experience sudden sharp, shooting pain without warning. In this article, you’ll learn causes, symptoms, and treatments so you can get back to enjoying the foods and drinks you love.

Key Takeaways

Tooth sensitivity occurs when enamel above the gumline or cementum below the gumline wears away, exposing the underlying dentin and nerve endings.
Common causes of tooth sensitivity include aggressive brushing, bruxism (teeth grinding), teeth whitening (bleaching), gum disease, cracked teeth or cavities, acidic foods, long-term plaque buildup, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Symptoms of tooth sensitivity may include sharp pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages; discomfort during brushing or flossing; pain when exposed to cold air; receding gums; and headaches.
Treatments for sensitive teeth include fluoride mouth rinse, dental bonding, gum graft surgery, or root canals, if needed. Your dentist can help you figure out the best option for your situation.

FAQs

Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?
If you experience sudden tooth sensitivity, you may have a newly cracked tooth or a worsening dental issue, such as:

● Gum disease

● Tooth abscess

● Infection of the tooth pulp

It’s best to visit your dentist as soon as possible if your teeth suddenly become sensitive.
How long does it take for sensitive teeth to heal?
If your sensitive teeth are due to a dental procedure, like getting a cavity filled, your teeth may be sensitive for a few days. But if it’s because of an underlying issue, like a crack in your tooth, you will need to fix the problem before the sensitivity goes away. This could take a few weeks.
Are there sensitive teeth remedies I can try at home?
If your sensitive teeth persist, it’s best to see your dentist to find out if an underlying cause is creating the problem.

Until you see your dentist, you might want to try a home remedy to help alleviate your pain and discomfort. Here are a few suggestions:

● Saltwater rinse: Add half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of lukewarm water, swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out.

● Honey and lukewarm water: Add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of lukewarm water, swish it in your mouth for a minute or two, and spit it out.

References

About Our Medical Reviewers

Dr. Monika Negi is a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist with over five years of clinical and academic experience and over two years in P&G Research and Development. A Commonwealth Scholar, she holds a Master of Science in Global Health & Management from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, and a Master of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from H.P. University, India.

At Procter & Gamble, Monika plays a pivotal role in the Global Oral Care R&D within the Global Professional & Scientific Relations team. Leveraging her clinical expertise and academic rigor, she drives the scientific advancement of Global Oral Care products, ensuring they are clinically validated, and aligned with industry-leading standards. Monika is also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the Global Professional and Scientific Relations team. Her contributions have enhanced product credibility and fortified P&G’s commitment to evidence-based innovation.

Monika has been partnering with the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health.