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Sensitive teeth: symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention

Sensitive teeth ( dentin hypersensitivity ) affect approximately 30–35% of adults worldwide—that is, almost one in three people.【bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com†L1-L5】
People between 30 and 50 years of age are particularly frequently affected, with sensitivity peaking in women during pregnancy. Tooth sensitivity tends to decrease with age.【link.springer.com†L10-L20】

Symptoms & most common triggers – when sensitive teeth really hurt

Sensitive teeth do not always become noticeable immediately – but many sufferers describe the pain as short, sharp and sudden , especially when the teeth are exposed to certain stimuli.

Studies show that there are three main triggers that most frequently cause complaints in practice:

  • Cold – whether drinking ice-cold water, enjoying ice cream, or simply inhaling cold air: Almost half of all patients with dentin hypersensitivity react with an unpleasant pulling sensation.【link.springer.com†L10-L20】
  • Chemical stimuli (acids) – Acidic foods such as vinegar, citrus fruits, pineapple, fruit juices, or soft drinks attack tooth enamel and further sensitize the teeth, making them even more sensitive to cold or air. [opendentistryjournal.com†L1-L5]

Heat, on the other hand, is described in studies as a less intense stimulus —while it causes movement in the dentinal tubules, it causes significantly less pain. [mdpi.com†L1-L5] Sweet foods alone are considered a less common trigger, but in combination with cold or acid, they can increase sensitivity.

👉 This means that sensitive teeth don't react randomly , but rather in a very specific way – and the classic everyday situations are clear: a glass of cold water, the fresh winter air, or an acidic snack. It's precisely in these moments that the importance of stable, remineralized tooth enamel becomes apparent.

What are the causes of sensitive teeth?

Gum recession (gingival recession)

A large survey of dentists shows that gum recession is the main cause for 66% of clients.【link.springer.com†L10-L20】

There are several factors that can lead to gum recession:

  • Incorrect brushing technique or brushing too hard can cause micro-injuries, causing the gums to recede.

  • Dentures or braces indicate mechanical stress in the tissue and can also lead to gum recession.
  • Periodontitis or tartar lead to chronic irritation of the gums and can cause recession.
  • Finally, a nutrient deficiency (e.g., vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, silicon, zinc) can also be the cause, causing the gums to lose stability and recede.

Degradation of tooth enamel (erosion, abrasion, attrition)

About 59% of dentists also see enamel defects as a key cause for many clients【link.springer.com†L10-L20】.

  • Acidic drinks (soft drinks, citrus fruits, wine) or stomach acid in the case of reflux attack the enamel.
  • Frequent snacking increases acid load.
  • Grinding (bruxism) and highly abrasive brushing further weaken the protective layer 【opendentistryjournal.com†L1-L5】.

Holistic treatment options

1. Eliminate causes

  • Brushing technique : Soft brush, gentle circular movements, prefer electric toothbrush.
  • Diet : Low-acid and low-sugar diet, reduce soft drinks.
  • Stress management : Relax your neck and jaw muscles; use a splint if you grind your teeth too much.
  • Care routine : Remineralize and strengthen teeth regularly.

👉 Tip: Incorporate EVARIE Enamel Care Serum into your daily routine—in the morning, after meals, and at night before bed. This ensures continuous remineralization and protection of your teeth.

2. Hydroxyapatite – artificial tooth enamel

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the same substance that makes up our tooth enamel. Studies demonstrate its effectiveness:

  • Pain relief : An RCT showed that HAP significantly reduced pain sensitivity after just a few weeks 【nature.com†L1-L5】.
  • Tubule closure : HAP closes exposed dentinal tubules and thus prevents pain stimuli 【bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com†L1-L5】.
  • Remineralization : It repairs micro-defects and strengthens the tooth surface 【mdpi.com†L1-L5】.

Hydroxyapatite is now considered a safe, biomimetic alternative that supports the natural remineralization of teeth – completely without fluoride.