Sensitivity and Toothache

Teeth can be sensitive for many reasons.

Pressure
Sensitivity to chewing pressure can be caused by:

• Decay
• An abscess
• A cracked tooth

Sweet foods
Sensitivity to sweet foods is usually caused by decay.

Heat and/or Cold
Sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods usually indicates:

• Decay
• An abscess
• Worn teeth
• Receded gums

It is also quite common for recent dental restorations to be temporarily sensitive to hot and cold foods. This sensitivity should decrease with time. If sensitivity from a recent dental restoration worsens or persists, contact your dentist.

Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening can also temporarily cause mild sensitivity during treatment. This should disappear within a few days.

Toothache
Sensitivity due to a dental problem will worsen with time and become a toothache. A toothache is not like a headache. It won't just go away—even if the pain temporarily subsides. The problem that is causing the pain will just get worse, as will the pain, and simple treatment may no longer be possible. (See our pages on cavities, abscesses, root canal therapy and extractions to see how a cavity progresses from a minor to a major problem). At the first sign of a toothache, you would be wise to make an appointment for immediate treatment.