By Dr. Maryam Bangash, DDS (NYU) | Dreamworks Dental Studios, Rawalpindi | Last reviewed: October 2026
Sensitive teeth cause a quick, sharp twinge when you drink something cold, bite into ice cream or breathe in cold air. It is one of the most common dental complaints. Tooth sensitivity happens when the softer layer under the enamel, called dentine, becomes exposed. Tiny channels in the dentine carry the sensation straight to the nerve. The good news is that it is usually very treatable once the cause is known.
Common causes of sensitive teeth
- Brushing too hard, or using a hard-bristled brush, which wears enamel and pushes gums back
- Gum recession, often linked to gum disease, which exposes the root surface
- Tooth decay or a broken filling, which needs a new filling
- Acid erosion from fizzy drinks, citrus or acid reflux
- Teeth grinding, which wears enamel and causes tiny cracks; a night guard can help
- A cracked tooth, especially if it hurts when you bite or release
- After whitening or dental work, which is usually temporary
What you can do at home
- Use a desensitising toothpaste twice daily. Give it 2–4 weeks to work.
- Switch to a soft brush and gentle, circular strokes.
- At night, smear a little desensitising toothpaste on the sensitive area and don’t rinse it off.
- Drink acidic drinks with meals, use a straw, and wait 30 minutes before brushing afterwards.
How to prevent sensitive teeth
- Use a soft toothbrush and gentle strokes
- Use a fluoride toothpaste, or a desensitising one if you are prone to sensitivity
- Limit fizzy drinks, citrus juices and very acidic foods
- Don’t brush straight after acidic food or drink; wait 30 minutes
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Treat gum disease early to prevent gum recession
When to see a dentist
Book a checkup if sensitivity:
- Lasts more than a few weeks despite sensitive toothpaste
- Is limited to one tooth
- Lingers for more than a few seconds after the trigger is gone
- Comes with pain when biting, swelling or a bad taste
Pain that lingers or throbs can mean the nerve is inflamed. That may need root canal treatment, so it’s best not to wait.
Sensitive teeth after whitening or a new filling
It is common to have sensitive teeth for a few days after professional whitening, a new filling or a deep cleaning. This usually settles on its own within one to two weeks. Using a desensitising toothpaste and avoiding very hot or cold food helps in the meantime.
If the sensitivity gets worse instead of better, lasts longer than two weeks, or one tooth throbs on its own, contact us so we can check the tooth.
Treatments we offer
Dr. Maryam Bangash will find the cause first, then match the treatment to it:
- Fluoride varnish or a desensitising agent applied in the clinic
- Bonding resin to cover exposed root surfaces
- Replacing worn or broken fillings
- Gum treatment for recession caused by gum disease
- A custom night guard for grinding
A consultation with X-rays is PKR 3,000, and an in-clinic fluoride treatment for sensitive teeth is PKR 2,000–3,000, at our Bahria Town Phase 8 clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sensitive Teeth
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Can sensitive teeth be cured permanently?
Is sensitivity a sign of a cavity?
Sources
Book a Checkup for Sensitive Teeth
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0332-3333577
📍 Location: Capital Tower, Plot 577, Phase 8, Business District, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi
🌐 dreamworksdentalstudios.com
Verify Dr. Bangash’s credentials at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
Dreamworks Dental Studios — Where Your Dream Smiles Come to Life
