Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Sensitive teeth
Short, sharp pain in the teeth triggered by hot, cold, sweet or acidic things — common, usually from exposed dentine, and often improved with the right toothpaste and care.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth (dentine hypersensitivity) cause a short, sharp twinge or pain in one or more teeth in response to certain triggers — most commonly cold (and sometimes hot) food and drink, sweet or acidic things, cold air, and sometimes brushing. It happens when the softer layer beneath the tooth's hard enamel (the dentine), which contains tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve, becomes exposed.
- How it is treated: Management combines self-care and addressing the cause, and often improves symptoms well.
- Self-care: Using a sensitive-teeth toothpaste regularly (and rubbing it onto sensitive areas), brushing gently with a soft brush, not brushing straight after acidic food or drink, cutting down on acidic items, and having regular dental check-ups all help sensitive teeth.
- When to seek help: See a dentist if tooth sensitivity is new, persistent, severe, or not improving with a sensitive-teeth toothpaste, or if pain lingers after the trigger, so any underlying cause (such as decay, a cracked tooth or gum recession) can be found and treated.
What it is
Sensitive teeth (dentine hypersensitivity) cause a short, sharp twinge or pain in one or more teeth in response to certain triggers — most commonly cold (and sometimes hot) food and drink, sweet or acidic things, cold air, and sometimes brushing. It happens when the softer layer beneath the tooth's hard enamel (the dentine), which contains tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve, becomes exposed. This exposure can result from enamel being worn away (for example by acidic food and drink, or over-vigorous brushing), from gums receding (exposing the tooth root, which is not protected by enamel), from tooth wear or grinding, or after some dental treatments. It is very common and usually not a sign of anything serious, but persistent or severe sensitivity, or pain that lingers, can occasionally indicate another dental problem (such as decay, a cracked tooth, or a worn filling) worth checking. It is diagnosed by the typical pattern and a dental examination.
How it is treated
Management combines self-care and addressing the cause, and often improves symptoms well. A key measure is using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth (used regularly, and it can also be rubbed onto the sensitive area), which helps reduce the sensitivity over a few weeks. Gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush (avoiding vigorous scrubbing), not brushing immediately after acidic food or drink, and cutting down on acidic items help protect the enamel and dentine. A dentist can identify and treat any underlying cause — such as treating decay, addressing gum recession or tooth grinding, or applying protective treatments (like fluoride varnish or sealants) to the sensitive areas — and can offer further treatments for persistent sensitivity. Because it can occasionally point to another problem, a dental check-up is worthwhile if sensitivity is new, persistent or severe. The reassuring message is that sensitive teeth are common and usually respond well to the right toothpaste and dental care.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Sensitive teeth
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Using a sensitive-teeth toothpaste regularly (and rubbing it onto sensitive areas), brushing gently with a soft brush, not brushing straight after acidic food or drink, cutting down on acidic items, and having regular dental check-ups all help sensitive teeth.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a dentist if tooth sensitivity is new, persistent, severe, or not improving with a sensitive-teeth toothpaste, or if pain lingers after the trigger, so any underlying cause (such as decay, a cracked tooth or gum recession) can be found and treated.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Sensitive teeth: frequently asked questions
What causes sensitive teeth?
Usually the exposure of the softer dentine beneath the enamel — from enamel wear (for example from acidic food or over-brushing), gum recession exposing the root, tooth wear or grinding, or after some dental treatments. It is very common.
How can I treat sensitive teeth?
Using a sensitive-teeth toothpaste regularly, brushing gently, avoiding brushing right after acidic food, and cutting down on acidic items help. A dentist can treat any underlying cause and apply protective treatments for persistent sensitivity.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Sensitive teeth
- Oral Health Foundation guidance
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