Possible causes
Common possible causes.
Exposed root surfaces or gum recession
Tooth wear or enamel erosion
Decay or a leaking restoration
A cracked tooth
Temporary sensitivity after some dental procedures
Warning signs
Signs worth paying attention to.
Sensitivity that lingers after the trigger is removed
Pain that occurs without an obvious trigger
Pain when biting
A visible cavity, crack or broken restoration
Swelling or severe pain
When to seek care
When to see a dentist.
Book an assessment when sensitivity persists, worsens or affects eating and drinking.
Seek prompt care if sensitivity becomes severe pain or is accompanied by swelling or trauma.
Why assessment matters
Similar symptoms can have different causes.
The most appropriate next step depends on the cause of the symptom, your oral health and what is found during assessment.
The information on this page can help you understand the concern, but it should not be used to choose treatment without professional assessment.
Explore further
Related dental treatments
These links are provided for further reading. A related treatment is not necessarily suitable for every person experiencing this symptom.