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Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive Teeth

Understanding and treating tooth sensitivity

Tooth Sensitivity

Are Your Teeth Sensitive to Hot, Cold or Sweet?

Your teeth may be sensitive for a number of different reasons. Sensitivity is often caused by exposed dentine — the layer that sits beneath the outer enamel of your tooth. Dentine contains tiny channels that lead to the inner nerve of the tooth, and when these channels are exposed, hot, cold or sweet stimuli can trigger a sharp pain.

As your local dentist, we’re here to help you understand the cause of your sensitivity and find the right treatment. If your teeth are sensitive, book an appointment so we can take a closer look and get you comfortable again.

Sensitive teeth treatment and causes
Causes

Factors That Can Contribute to Sensitive Teeth

  • Tooth decay — A common cause of pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods. Decay can usually be repaired with a filling.
  • Tooth wear — The enamel or dentine surface of the tooth has been worn away, exposing the sensitive inner layers.
  • Brushing too hard — Using hard bristles or excessive force can lead to gum recession and tooth wear, both of which expose sensitive areas.
  • Acidic foods and drinks — Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can cause erosion and damage to the tooth surface.
  • Teeth grinding — Grinding or clenching wears away the tooth surface over time, increasing sensitivity.
  • Gum disease — Gums can pull away or shrink back from the teeth due to recession, exposing the root surface.
  • Cracked tooth or filling — A crack that runs from the surface of the tooth towards the root can allow stimuli to reach the nerve.
  • Age — Gums naturally recede over time, gradually exposing more of the tooth and root surface.
  • Teeth whitening — Some patients experience sensitivity for a short time after a whitening treatment. This usually settles quickly.
Prevention

Tips to Help Prevent Sensitivity

  • Visit our dentist to establish the cause of your sensitivity.
  • Brush your teeth twice daily with the correct toothbrush. Oral B is recommended.
  • Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks that can erode enamel.
  • Avoid stress where possible, as it can lead to teeth grinding.
  • Use a sensitive toothpaste if your sensitivity is due to exposed dentine.
  • Your dentist may apply a desensitising paste over a number of visits to help reduce sensitivity.
  • A white filling may be placed to cover exposed dentine — this is often a simple procedure.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Sensitive Teeth

How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately?+
Apply a reputable sensitive toothpaste such as Sensodyne or Colgate ProRelief directly onto the affected teeth with a clean finger and leave it in place. This can provide quick temporary relief while you arrange to see your dentist.
What is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth?+
Any reputable branded sensitive toothpaste will help. We recommend Sensodyne, Oral B or Colgate sensitive toothpastes. Use it consistently for best results.
Which mouthwash for sensitive teeth?+
A reputable branded mouthwash containing fluoride is recommended. Fluoride helps to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity over time.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?+
As the whitening gel works on your teeth, it can temporarily make them more sensitive. This is a common and expected side effect that usually settles within a day or two.
What to do about whitening and sensitivity?+
Some patients are sensitive for one to two days after whitening. This usually settles on its own. A quality whitening brand like Philips Zoom contains desensitising ingredients to help minimise discomfort during and after treatment.
What to do if teeth are sensitive after cleaning?+
A professional cleaning removes tartar and plaque build-up, exposing a clean tooth surface underneath. This can initially feel sensitive but usually settles within a few days. Using a sensitive toothpaste in the meantime can help ease any discomfort.
“Excellent service and very informative, helpful staff.”
Our Location

Conveniently Located

Our modern dental clinic is conveniently located just off the A40 Western Avenue in Perivale, Greenford, Ealing, with free street parking available. We welcome local residents, workers and students from the surrounding area.

If you’re experiencing sensitive teeth, book a new patient appointment so we can identify the cause and help you find relief. We’re here to help you enjoy your food and drinks comfortably again.

Patient Reviews

What our patients say.

Verified five-star reviews on Google.

5
Google Reviews
★★★★★

I have always been scared of the dentist that is until I came to Dentael. The staff are so understanding and supportive and made me feel so at ease. Everything is explained clearly and there is no pressure. Thank you to the team for being so lovely.

CS
Catherine Shanahan
Google Review
★★★★★

Excellent service and dental care from detael, all procedures were explained fully and also prices for treatment, - i have used this dentist for many years and can happily recommend them.

MW
Michael Philip Warr
Google Review
★★★★★

Dental dentists are very friendly, professional and caring. They gave me the confidence to have the necessary treatment I needed. I was someone who was very anxious but I happily had my treatment thanks to Dr Rash.

LG
Lu Green
Google Review
★★★★★

This dental practice is amazing, the lady explains everything and offers the patient options. She's such a professional and makes sure you are happy with the job. I always recommend this practice to work colleagues, friends and neighbours.

AS
Alison Sweeney
Google Review
★★★★★

I always have a great experience at Dentael. The staff are welcoming, gentle, and professional, and they take time to explain everything clearly. My visit was smooth and comfortable from start to finish. I truly appreciate their care and highly recommend their services! 🙏

DJ
Dita Jurelone
Google Review
★★★★★

I have been with Dentael for a few years now and I always have a positive experience. Dr Rashpal and Ang are kind, professional and put me at ease at my visit, I recommend this dental practice

SM
S.R Mistry
Google Review
★★★★★

I went there for dental hygiene and was highly satisfied with the service. Dr Rashpal is so polite; I loved how she treats her patients. She explained everything in detail about dental hygiene.

JS
Janki Shah
Google Review
★★★★★

My first visit at this clinic and I cannot give it enough praise, Dr Rashpal was incredibly welcoming and caring throughout. Gave me very helpful insight on what I needed to do with my teeth going forward. If you're looking for a dental practice that actually cares for their patients I couldn't recommend this place enough.

AM
Alex Moutin
Google Review
★★★★★

I have nothing but heaps of praise for Dentael in Perivale! Dr Raspal Saggi and Angela provide excellent service, not to mention the after care and advice!! For someone who was extremely nervous going to the dentist, I LOVE coming here! There's always a warm welcome, treatment options are carefully described allowing you to make the best choice. Treatment carried out efficiently and gently, which for nervous patients is wonderful!! My teeth now look amazing and have given me so much confidence!! You are in professional expert hands in this superb practice! Heavily recommended!

CT
Charmaine Taylor
Google Review
★★★★★

I consistently experience a high level of professionalism, genuine care, politeness, and a welcoming atmosphere at this dental clinic. Dr. Rashpal and the team have excellent attitude towards their work, providing exceptional service. Thank you for your dedication and outstanding care!

SA
SA
Google Review
★★★★★

First time going to this practice. Professional service very friendly will be coming back here again this is definitely my new dentist!

PS
PS
Google Review
★★★★★

Came to this dental clinic to get a bridge inserted. I was definitely impressed by the service that was provided. The staff were very kind and friendly and created a comfortable environment for me. I appreciated the honest advice and the transparency when it came to the several options that were available for me to sort out my issue. The process was very quick and efficient and I left feeling very pleased with my treatment. I will 100% be coming to this dental clinic again in the future.

JM
Jaspreet Mann
Google Review
★★★★★

I was impressed with warm welcome, professionalism, the way how I am being explained what needs to be done and why... also care after treatment. You cannot find it anywhere like here and I have changed many dentists. Dentist is wonderful very kind, gentle but done proper job, gave proper advice and definitely would recommend it to family and friends. I am extremely happy with treatment and will come back again.

SC
Sladana Cobanov
Google Review
★★★★★

Dr Saggi is a very experienced dentist who immediately made me feel at ease. She performed a thorough check up and clearly explained the results to me. I wanted to explore teeth whitening and she went through all the different options in detail. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a top class dentist.

JT
James T
Google Review
★★★★★

I have recently been at Dentael clinic and the experience was unique. Not only the staff is very nice and polite, but also the clinic is very modern and clean too. Above all these things, what really made me feel like every penny paid was worth it is, the fact that the person who made my treatment as a huge know about how, why and when to do what. While other dentists were not able to sort my problem out, they just did all the examinations and did it for me! I totally recommend them, you will straight away understand why!!

PF
Paulo Freitas
Google Review
★★★★★

I felt super comfortable and the staff was great, took the time to explain everything and did not rush the appointment at all! Also super clean area and was able to answer all of my questions. I would highly recommend as they really care about the customer!

FR
Francesca
Google Review
★★★★★

Excellent calming environment, very professional looking. Treatment was fully explained prior to commencing and during. Completed in a calm and unrushed manner. Compared to similar treatments I have had at other dentists completely pain free too. For a change I look forward to my return visit.

BG
Balwant Gahunia
Google Review
Contact & Visit

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Address
6 Medway Parade, Perivale
Greenford UB6 8HR
Opening Hours
Monday9.15am – 4.15pm
Tuesday10.15am – 6.15pm
Wednesday9.15am – 4.15pm
Thursday9.15am – 4.15pm
Friday9.15am – 4.15pm
Saturday9.15am – 12.15pm (selective)

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