Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive? Causes & Relief That Actually Works

‍Why do my teeth hurt when I eat ice cream or drink coffee?

Quick Answer:
That sharp tingle usually means your enamel has worn down or your gums have receded, exposing dentin. Dentin has microscopic channels that let heat, cold, acids, or sticky foods reach the nerves. Addressing the root cause, whether it’s enamel loss, gum recession, decay, or a crack, can relieve the pain.

Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

Is enjoying a scoop of ice cream, or even your morning coffee, a painful affair? Does brushing or flossing ever make you wince? You might be dealing with tooth sensitivity.

What Causes That Sharp Tingle?

Here are some common culprits:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured or cracked teeth
• Worn or leaking fillings
• Gum disease causing gum recession
• Thinning enamel
• Exposed tooth root (where the protective layers are lost)

In a healthy tooth, the enamel (above the gum) and cementum (covering the root) shield the inner layers. Beneath them lies dentin, which is softer and full of tiny tubules. When enamel or cementum wears away, or gums recede, those tubules become open pathways. Heat, cold, or acidic foods can travel through them straight to nerve endings, triggering that sudden, sharp pain.

How a Dentist Diagnoses the Cause

At Miami Smile Dental, we don’t treat symptoms alone. We dig deeper. We’ll examine your teeth, restorations (like fillings or crowns), your gum line, and even how your bite comes together. In some cases, subtle misalignment can cause extra pressure or grinding, wearing enamel faster. When that’s the case, Invisalign® clear aligners may be part of the solution to protect your teeth long-term.

What Treatment Can Help with Tooth Sensitivity?

Here’s what we might recommend depending on your situation:

‍Desensitizing toothpaste
This can take the edge off by blocking signals from the surface of the tooth to the nerve. It usually takes a few uses before you feel a difference.

Fluoride gel or varnish
Applied in-office, this strengthens enamel and makes nerves less reactive to hot, cold, or acidic foods.

Bonding, inlays, or crowns
If your sensitivity is due to a crack, worn filling, or decay, these options can seal and protect the tooth.

Gum grafting
If your gums have pulled away and exposed the roots, a graft can cover the area again, helping reduce that raw sensitivity.

Root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is a more involved solution for cases where the sensitivity is intense and not improving with other options. It removes the source of nerve pain altogether.

Each option is guided by the specific cause we identify during your exam.

A More Comfortable Smile Awaits

If sensitivity has started to interfere with your daily life, whether that’s avoiding cold treats or gingerly sipping hot drinks, don’t settle for discomfort. At Miami Smile Dental, we believe your teeth should let you enjoy every flavor without fear.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s get things moving. Call us today or send us a message online. We’ll set up a time to dig deeper, answer your questions, and create a plan just for you. We look forward to helping you reclaim a pain‑free, confident smile.