Sachar Dental NYC

20 E 46th St Rm 1301
New York, NY 10017
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All the below content has been written by NYC Dentist, Dr. Sandip Sachar.

Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive?

If you’ve ever winced while sipping a hot coffee or felt a sharp jolt of discomfort when biting into ice cream, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a widespread issue that affects many people. But what exactly causes this zinging pain, and what can you do about it?

At Sachar Dental NYC, we see patients every week asking the same question: “Why are my teeth so sensitive?” Below, we’ll explore the real reasons behind sensitive teeth, how it can be managed, and when it’s time to book an appointment with your dentist.

Woman reacting to cold popsicle due to sensitive teeth

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity—also known as dentin hypersensitivity—is a sudden, sharp discomfort or pain in one or more teeth when exposed to certain stimuli. These triggers typically include:
  • Hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Sweet or acidic foods
  • Cold air
  • Brushing or flossing
The pain is not just an inconvenience—it's often a signal that something more serious may be going on.
Cartoon illustration of sensitive teeth reacting to cold foods and ice

The Anatomy of Sensitivity: What’s Really Happening?

To understand why sensitivity occurs, it's helpful to know a little dental anatomy. Beneath the enamel—the hard, outer shell of the tooth—lies dentin, a porous layer filled with microscopic tubules that lead to the tooth’s nerve center, the pulp.

When enamel wears down or gums recede, these tubules become exposed. That means heat, cold, or even touch can directly stimulate the nerve endings, causing that painful “zing” you feel.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the most common culprits we see in our NYC dental office:
  1. Enamel Erosion
    Aggressive brushing, particularly with a hard-bristled toothbrush or abrasive toothpaste, can wear down enamel. So can diets high in acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, wine, and soda.
  2. Gum Recession
    When gum tissue pulls away from the tooth—often due to gum disease or aggressive brushing—it exposes the root, which lacks protective enamel. This is especially common in adults over 40.
  3. Tooth Decay or Cavities
    Cavities can cause localized sensitivity as decay erodes enamel and reaches the dentin. Small cavities may go unnoticed until the tooth becomes sensitive.
  4. Cracked or Chipped Teeth
    Even microscopic cracks can allow temperature changes and food particles to stimulate the nerves inside your tooth.
  5. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
    Grinding or clenching teeth, often due to stress or poor alignment, can wear down enamel and inflame nerves, especially at night. Many patients don’t realize they grind their teeth until they experience jaw soreness or tooth sensitivity.
  6. Recent Dental Procedures
    Teeth may be temporarily sensitive after procedures such as whitening, fillings, or crown placements. This typically resolves within a few days or weeks.
  7. Acid Reflux or GERD
    Stomach acids that reach the mouth can erode enamel over time. For patients with chronic reflux, dental erosion may be an early warning sign.

How Sensitive Is Too Sensitive?

If you experience sensitivity once and it’s mild and it goes away on its own to never return again, it may not be cause for concern. But if the discomfort is repetitive, persistent, severe, or localized to one tooth, it’s essential to get it checked out. It could be a sign of an underlying issue like decay, a fracture, or a failing dental restoration.

Diagnosis: What to Expect at Your Dental Visit

At Sachar Dental NYC, we begin with a thorough oral examination to pinpoint the cause of your sensitivity. This may include:
  • A visual exam to check for gum recession, worn enamel, or cracks
  • X-rays to detect decay or abscesses
  • A bite test to identify teeth under excessive pressure
  • Cold or air tests to isolate the sensitive tooth
Once we identify the cause, we can create a tailored treatment plan—because treating the symptom isn’t enough.

Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

  1. Desensitizing Toothpaste
    These contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride that block pain signals from reaching the nerve.
  2. Fluoride Treatments
    In-office fluoride applications can strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity, especially for patients with mild erosion or exposed dentin.
  3. Dental Bonding or Sealants
    For more severe cases, we may apply a bonding agent to cover exposed dentin or root surfaces, acting as a protective barrier.
  4. Gum Grafts
    If gum recession is the culprit, a surgical graft can restore lost tissue and reduce sensitivity long-term.
  5. Mouthguards for Bruxism
    Custom nightguards can protect your teeth if grinding is causing the problem. We custom fit these at Sachar Dental NYC to ensure both comfort and effectiveness.
  6. Filling or Crown
    If the sensitive is due to a cavity, a filling or crown may be necessary depending on the extent of the cavity.
  7. Root Canal Therapy
    When sensitivity is due to deep infection or irreversible nerve damage, a root canal may be the best (and only) way to resolve the issue permanently.

Prevention Tips

Preventing tooth sensitivity often comes down to consistent, mindful oral care. Here are simple but effective strategies:

  • Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Use fluoride toothpaste that is not too abrasive
  • Limit acidic foods and drinks, or rinse your mouth afterward
  • Don’t brush immediately after consuming acidic foods—wait at least 15 minutes
  • Address grinding or clenching with a nightguard
  • Treat any cavities or fractured teeth
  • Keep up with routine cleanings and exams every six months

In NYC, life moves fast—but your oral health should never take a back seat.

When to Call a Professional

If sensitivity lasts more than a few days or is affecting your eating, sleeping, or well-being, don’t delay care. Minor issues can turn serious if left untreated.

At Sachar Dental NYC, we use advanced diagnostics and personalized care to get to the root of the problem—so you can live pain-free and smile with confidence.

Book Your Consultation Today

Contact Sachar Dental NYC today to schedule your appointment. We are conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Read MORE about TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) on our services page.

Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Remedies & Treatments Available

Sachar Dental NYC
20 East 46th Street
Rm 1301
(Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10017
212-752-1163
https://www.sachardental.com/
drsachar@sachardental.com

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Sandip Sachar

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