What is the sensitivity of teeth and what does it feel like?

Teeth sensitivity, also known as ‘dentin hypersensitivity’, is a sensation of extreme pain or discomfort occurring in response to certain stimuli, such as cold temperature or sweets. You may have sensitivity in a single tooth or multiple teeth. If you always experience extreme pain sensation after eating certain foods, such as ice-creams or similar foods, you may have sensitive teeth. Teeth sensitivity occurs when the enamel covering of the teeth is damaged. Such damage can expose the dentin layer underneath, which is the sensitive layer of the tooth. Sensitivity can also occur when a tooth is partially broken, gum recession exposes the vulnerable parts of the teeth, or a dental filling or crown gets broken.

My child broke half his tooth while playing. What should I do?

If your child has broken his milk tooth, do not panic. You can offer your child an ice cream or ask him/her to suck on ice chips to reduce the pain and help with bleeding if any. Keep monitoring the child for any other signs of discomfort and visit a dentist for a thorough checkup. If your child has fractured one of his permanent teeth, partially or totally, keep the broken tooth piece in milk or sterile saline and carry it to the dentist immediately. The dentist will administer the appropriate treatment for the broken tooth.

What are some home remedies for instant pain relief from toothache?

Several home remedies offer considerable pain relief from toothache. You can crush a clove partially and keep it close to your affected tooth or apply clove oil on the tooth with a q-tip or cotton buds. Peppermint oil or vanilla extract can also be applied in a similar way to help reduce toothache. Applying crushed garlic on the affected tooth is also very effective. Lukewarm saline gargles are helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Applying ice packs externally or sucking on ice chips can also reduce pain and inflammation.

Can a toothache be cured at home or I need to visit a dentist?

Home remedies can help in reducing the tooth pain but do not treat the underlying reason that is causing it. Cavities, cracks in teeth or gum infections usually worsen with time. Hence it is advised not to put off your visit to the dentist. If your toothache is severe, accompanied by swelling in the jaw or face, fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, etc., it may suggest the presence of an infection and requires immediate treatment by a dentist.

Why is my toothache so severe?

Your teeth contain many nerve endings that are extremely sensitive to pain. These nerve endings carry pain impulses from the teeth to the brain because of which you perceive the pain sensation. Since there are many nerve endings concentrated in a single tooth, the intensity of the pain is also severe. You must always consult your dentist whenever you have a severe toothache that is not relieved by home remedies or pain killers in a couple of days.

Dental pain

Written By Dr. Swati MishraBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Mekhala Chandra

MD, MBBS

Last updated on: 24 Feb 2026 | 12:24 PM (IST)

Overview

Most of us might have experienced toothache at least once in our lifetime. A toothache or dental pain is any pain that originates from the tooth and its surrounding structures such as the gums.The intensity of pain may range from mild dull aching to severe excruciating pain.

Toothache can occur from various dental causes like tooth cavity, tooth fracture, broken old fillings, gum infections, grinding of teeth etc. Rarely, pain is experienced in teeth because of non dental causes like sinusitis, heart attack, lockjaw, trigeminal neuralgia etc. Therefore, it is important to differentiate dental pain from such conditions that cause referred pain in the teeth.

Dental pain can happen at any age, but it is more common in school going children or the elderly population. Following good oral hygiene practices is one of the simple yet effective ways to keep teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental pain. In case when dental pain is experienced, painkillers and some home remedies might provide temporary relief but a dental consultation followed by required dental procedures are highly recommended.

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