Is It a Cavity or Sensitive Teeth?
Although a cavity can lead to tooth sensitivity, their causes and treatments are different. Use this chart to learn about the differences—and remember to see your dentist for an official diagnosis.
What’s That Pain?
Cavity vs Tooth Sensitivity
What It Is
What Is a Cavity?
A painful hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Pain caused when stimuli, such as ice cream, reach the nerves in teeth.
What It Feels Like
Cavity Pain
A dull ache, sometimes triggered by eating or biting down.
Tooth Sensitivity Pain
A short, sharp shock of pain often caused by cold or hot foods.
How It Happens
Cavity Causes
Sugars and starches create plaque on teeth. The bacteria in plaque break down enamel, leading to decay.
Tooth Sensitivity Causes
When enamel wears down or your gums recede, it exposes the underlying layer where the nerves live. Certain triggers, like ice water, aggravate these nerves, causing sensitivity pain.
How to Treat It
Cavity Treatment
If you get a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist to have it filled.
Sensitive Teeth Treatment
Sensitivity can be treated with proper at-home care. Brush twice every day with a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne to get relief.*
