Sensitive teeth & grinding

Under the enamel, every tooth has a softer layer called dentine that connects to the nerve. When enamel wears thin, from acidic food and drink, hard brushing, or grinding, or when gums recede and expose the root surface, that dentine is left open to the outside world, and hot, cold and sweet things get a direct line to the nerve. That's the classic short, sharp zing. A deeper ache, pain when biting, or sensitivity that lingers can point to something more, like a crack, decay or an issue inside the tooth, which is exactly why it's worth having a proper look rather than putting up with it.

Teeth grinding (the medical name is bruxism) is one of the most common causes of sensitivity we see, and most people who do it have no idea, because it happens in their sleep. The clues are morning jaw ache, tension headaches, flattened or chipped edges, and teeth that are sensitive for no obvious reason. Grinding won't usually stop on its own, but its damage is very preventable: a custom-fitted night guard cushions your teeth while you sleep so the wear stops accumulating. We make ours to a mould of your teeth, so they're slim and comfortable enough to actually wear. You'll find the details on our mouthguards and night guards page.

Most sensitivity has a simple cause and a simple fix: a desensitising varnish, a small filling over an exposed root, a softer brushing technique, or a night guard. But sometimes it's the first sign of a cracked tooth, decay reaching the nerve, or gum disease on the move, and those get harder and dearer to fix the longer they wait. A good rule of thumb: sensitivity that's getting worse, lingering after the trigger is gone, or waking you at night deserves a look soon. We'll examine the tooth, take an X-ray if needed, explain what we find in plain English, and give you a written quote before any treatment.