Sudden teeth sensitivity can feel like your mouth is staging a protest. One sip of something cold, hot or sweet and – zing. If you’ve ever found yourself googling what causes sensitive teeth while wincing into your morning coffee, you’re far from alone. In fact, teeth sensitivity affects up to 57% of UK adults – and it tends to get worse with age.
So, what’s really going on? And more importantly, how do you fix it – not just for today, but for good? Let’s get into it.
So, what causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth issues usually start when your enamel – the hard, protective layer on the outside of your teeth – begins to wear away, or when gums recede, exposing the softer dentine beneath. This layer is full of tiny pathways that lead straight to the tooth’s nerve. When those channels are open, everyday things like cold air, heat, sugar, or even brushing can reach the nerve and cause a flash of discomfort.
Common causes of enamel wear and sudden teeth sensitivity include:
- Brushing too hard or too often (especially with a hard-bristled brush)
- Acidic food and drink (even ‘healthy’ stuff like salad dressings and sparkling water)
- Teeth grinding or clenching – often without realising it
- Overuse of at-home whitening kits
- Gum recession due to ageing or gum disease
And yes – sudden sensitivity is a thing, especially if you’ve recently tweaked your diet, changed your oral care products, or started whitening.
What about sensitive teeth after whitening?
This one’s especially common. Whitening treatments – particularly those containing hydrogen peroxide – can temporarily make your teeth more porous. That opens up those tiny nerve pathways, making you more prone to sensitivity straight after.
If you’re dealing with sensitive teeth after whitening, it’s your cue to hit pause and give your enamel some love. Think of it like exfoliating your face – great in moderation, but without barrier repair, it can do more harm than good.
Short-term relief: what works (and what doesn’t)
Most sensitive toothpastes focus on numbing the nerves inside your teeth with ingredients like potassium nitrate. These can definitely take the edge off, but they’re not a long-term fix.
Then there are the natural options – like coconut oil, clove oil, or turmeric. While some people swear by them, the scientific evidence is pretty limited. If they help you feel better in the moment, great. Just don’t count on them for long term results.
Want to fix sensitive teeth for good? It starts with enamel repair.
Quick fixes are helpful. But if you’re serious about reducing sensitivity long term, you need to address the root cause: enamel erosion. Your enamel is like armour for your teeth – once it’s worn down, sensitivity often follows.
Our Formulation Chemist and resident dental expert Majedeh Mazraei explains more:
“If you want to stop teeth sensitivity in the long run, you need to focus on rebuilding and protecting your enamel. That’s where ingredients like fluoride and hydroxyapatite come in – they don’t just coat the tooth, they actively work to repair and remineralise enamel, strengthening the tooth surface and sealing up those nerve-exposing pathways.”
The best toothpaste for sensitive teeth? Look for fluoride + hydroxyapatite
Let’s talk ingredients:
- Fluoride strengthens enamel by attracting calcium and phosphate – two minerals your teeth need to stay strong.
- Hydroxyapatite is the mineral that your enamel is made of. It fills in the micro-cracks, rebuilding the surface of your teeth from the inside out.
Many toothpastes for sensitive teeth focus only on numbing the nerves or include just one active ingredient. But to really reduce sensitivity, you need a formula that protects, remineralises, and rebuilds.
How to help sensitive teeth
Here’s your go-to enamel-first routine:
- Switch to a toothpaste with fluoride and hydroxyapatite
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently
- Avoid harsh whitening kits (or at least give your teeth a recovery window between uses)
- Limit acidic food and drink, and rinse with water afterwards
- Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth
- See your dentist if sensitivity sticks around, it could signal something deeper
We don’t have a sensitive toothpaste... yet
If you're wondering which sensitive toothpaste is really worth switching to – well, so are we. It’s something we’re exploring with curiosity and care. Because we believe a sensitive toothpaste should go beyond numbing – it should nurture for the long term.
Let’s just say: we’re working on something. But not just anything.
Do you suffer with teeth sensitivity? We want to hear from you here.
