Why Your Teeth Are Sensitive — and How We Fix It

That sharp, sudden pain when you sip cold water, eat something sweet or breathe in cold air is called dentine hypersensitivity. It happens when the protective enamel or gum covering has worn away and exposed the tiny tubes that lead to the tooth nerve.

Sensitivity is very common in Kampala, often from hard brushing, acidic drinks, gum recession or grinding. At M Dental Care in Najjera–Kira we find which of these is causing yours and treat it — most patients feel a big difference after a single visit.

Common causes of sensitive teeth

  • Brushing too hard with a stiff toothbrush, wearing away enamel and gums
  • Gum recession that exposes the soft root surface
  • Acidic drinks and foods (sodas, citrus, energy drinks) eroding enamel
  • Cavities, cracked teeth or worn fillings
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism) and recent whitening treatment
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Fluoride and desensitising treatment for sensitive teeth at M Dental Care, Kampala

Consultation

UGX 20,000

A consultation is UGX 20,000. Fluoride varnish or desensitising treatment is quoted at your visit; where the sensitivity comes from a cavity or worn area, a tooth-coloured filling is UGX 120,000, and gum treatment is UGX 200,000.

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Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth

Fluoride varnish

A concentrated fluoride coating strengthens enamel and seals exposed dentine tubes. Quick, painless and repeated as needed.

Desensitising treatment

Professional desensitising agents applied to the exposed root surfaces block the nerve signal.

Bonding or filling

Where enamel has worn away at the gum line, a tooth-coloured filling covers the exposed area permanently.

Gum treatment

If receding gums are the cause, treating gum disease stops further recession and sensitivity.

What to Expect

1. Examination

We test which teeth react and check for cavities, cracks, recession and wear.

2. Identify the cause

Your brushing habits, diet and any grinding are reviewed so we treat the reason, not just the symptom.

3. Treatment

Fluoride, desensitising treatment or a filling is done at the same visit in most cases.

4. Home care

You get advice on a soft brush, correct technique and a sensitivity toothpaste that suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my teeth hurt when I drink cold water?

Cold reaches the nerve through exposed dentine — usually because enamel has worn or gums have receded. A dentist can seal the exposed areas and stop the pain.

Can sensitive teeth be cured permanently?

Yes in most cases. Once the cause is treated — for example a worn area is filled or gum disease is controlled — and you switch to gentle brushing, the sensitivity usually disappears.

Does sensitivity toothpaste work?

It helps mild cases after two to four weeks of daily use, but it cannot fix a cavity, crack or gum recession. If the pain lasts longer than that, book a checkup.

Is tooth sensitivity a sign of a cavity?

It can be. Sensitivity to sweets in particular often points to decay. An examination and X-ray at M Dental Care will tell you for certain.

Book Your Visit at M Dental Care

Mbogo Road, Najjera–Kira, Kampala · Call or WhatsApp (+256) 0200 959927 · Open 7 days a week.

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