Why do teeth feel sensitive or sore?

Oct 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, tooth sensitivity may be caused by factors such as hot or cold stimulation, chewing hard foods, dentin hypersensitivity, dental caries, or periodontitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain brushing teeth morning and night with a soft-bristled toothbrush, use proper brushing techniques, and schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Under normal circumstances, tooth sensitivity or a sour sensation in the teeth may be caused by factors such as temperature stimulation, chewing hard objects, dentin hypersensitivity, dental caries, or periodontitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Temperature stimulation: Sudden exposure of teeth to excessively cold or hot foods and beverages—such as ice drinks or hot soup—can stimulate the dentin or dental pulp, causing a sour or sensitive sensation. In daily life, avoid alternating between extremely cold and hot foods, eat slowly, and minimize sudden stimuli to the teeth; symptoms usually resolve on their own.

2. Chewing hard objects: Regular or occasional chewing of very hard foods—such as nutshells or bones—can wear down the enamel, exposing the dentin and leading to tooth sensitivity. Reduce the frequency of chewing hard items and opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods. Mild enamel wear can be managed by brushing with fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel.

3. Dentin hypersensitivity: Conditions such as enamel wear or gum recession expose the dentin, allowing external stimuli to directly affect the dentinal tubules and trigger a sour or sensitive sensation, especially when exposed to cold, heat, sour, or sweet foods. Patients may use strontium chloride toothpaste as directed by a physician to block the dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity.

4. Dental caries: Bacterial erosion forms cavities in the teeth. When decay progresses into the dentin layer, stimuli can be directly transmitted to the pulp, resulting in tooth sensitivity and possibly pain during eating. Patients should seek timely dental treatment—cavities are cleaned of decayed tissue and filled with resin material to prevent further progression of the disease.

5. Periodontitis: Accumulation of dental plaque and tartar leads to periodontal inflammation, causing gum recession and alveolar bone loss, which exposes the dentin and results in tooth sensitivity, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or tinidazole mouthwash to control the inflammation.

In daily life, maintain consistent morning and evening tooth brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper brushing techniques. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are recommended to maintain oral hygiene and reduce the occurrence of tooth sensitivity.

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