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.*
