Tooth Sensitivity — A Short Jolt, or Something Else
Sensitivity that stops when the cold is gone is different from pain that lingers.
What is happening?
Sensitivity is a short, sharp jolt from cold, sweet, or a breath of air, usually where enamel is thin or the root is exposed. Acid from food, drink, or reflux, gum recession, recent whitening, a crack, a leaking filling, hard brushing, and grinding are the usual reasons.
Schedule a visit
Common symptoms
- A short sharp jolt from cold, sweet, or air
- Discomfort when you brush one spot
- Pain that stops as soon as the trigger is gone
Is it urgent?
Pain that lingers after the cold is gone — book promptly, that is more than sensitivity. One tooth getting worse — same week, a crack or nerve may be involved. Generalized sensitivity with no lingering pain — a routine visit is appropriate.
Before your sensitivity visit
Desensitizing toothpaste
A fluoride toothpaste made for sensitivity, twice a day for two weeks, often takes the edge off exposed roots.
Softer brushing, fewer acids
A soft brush. Ease up on acidic drinks, and do not brush immediately after them.
Notice lingering pain
If the ache continues after the trigger is gone, do not wait out the two weeks. Book.
Common causes
Enamel erosion from acidic food, drink, or reflux · Gum recession exposing root surfaces · Recent whitening · A cracked tooth · A leaking or worn filling · Over-aggressive brushing · Grinding
How we diagnose it
We map which teeth respond, look for recession and worn fillings, and test any tooth that lingers after cold. Lingering pain is investigated as a nerve or crack problem. Generalized, instant-off sensitivity is investigated as exposure and diet.
How we treat it
Desensitize or cover
Fluoride varnish, a change in brushing, or bonded coverage of an exposed root — matched to what we see.
Fix the real defect
A leaking filling, a crack, or an inflamed nerve is treated as that condition, not with sensitivity toothpaste.
Related pages
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Our team is happy to help over the phone.
(416) 483-0000Why are my teeth sensitive to cold?
Usually an exposed root or thin enamel. If the pain stops the moment the cold is gone, start with a desensitizing toothpaste and book a routine look. If it lingers, call sooner.
Can whitening cause this?
Yes, often for a few days. If it is still there after two weeks, or it is only one tooth, we should see you.
Will sensitive toothpaste fix a crack?
No. Toothpaste can calm exposed dentin. A crack or a dying nerve needs an exam, not a different brand of paste.
Read this as education
These are common patterns, not a diagnosis of your tooth. Your dentist determines the cause during an examination.