Sharp pain with cold drinks: what sensitivity is telling you and the fixes that last.

That sharp jolt of pain from a cold drink usually means the protective enamel on your teeth has worn thin, or that your gums have receded enough to expose the more sensitive layer of the tooth underneath, called dentin. Both are common and both are treatable.

A toothpaste formulated for sensitivity can help within a couple weeks by gradually blocking the microscopic channels in dentin that carry temperature and pressure signals to the nerve. Switching to a soft-bristled brush and easing up on pressure also protects the enamel and gumline from further wear.

If sensitivity is sudden, severe, or limited to just one tooth, it can be a sign of a cavity, a cracked tooth or a failing filling rather than general wear — that's worth a visit so we can pinpoint the cause and fix it before it gets worse.