Teeth
Tooth care: start here
A twinge from cold water, front teeth that look thinner, a rough spot your tongue keeps finding. These guides explain what is usually going on and what can wait, in the order that helps most.
Three different problems that can feel the same
Sensitivity, enamel wear and early decay can all show up as a sharp feeling with something cold or sweet, which is why it helps to work through them in order. Sensitivity often comes from exposed dentin, for example where gums have pulled back or enamel has worn. Enamel wear from acid is permanent, but early decay is different: the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains that at the very first stage, a white spot, enamel can repair itself with minerals from saliva and fluoride.
If you only do four things this week
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, using gentle pressure.
- Spit after brushing instead of rinsing, so the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.
- Notice which tooth twinges, and with what (cold, sweet, biting), and for how long.
- Cut down how often you sip acidic or sugary drinks, not just how much.
A typical order of work
| If you notice | Start with | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| A short, sharp twinge with cold or sweet | Common sensitivity causes and desensitizing toothpaste | Sensitive teeth |
| Edges look thinner or see-through | What enamel can and cannot do, and how to protect it | Enamel |
| A chalky white or dark spot, or a rough pit | Early cavity signs and why early matters | Early cavities |
Read these in this order
- 1
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
The common causes of a sharp twinge and what helps each one.
- 2
Can Enamel Grow Back?
What enamel can and cannot do, and how to protect what you have.
- 3
Early Cavity Signs
What an early cavity looks and feels like, and why early matters.
- 4
Electric vs Manual Toothbrush
What the research shows, and how to choose for your mouth.
When a tooth needs a dentist
Book a visit for a toothache, pain when you bite, a twinge in one tooth that lasts more than a few days, a visible hole or dark spot, or a broken filling. Swelling of the face or jaw needs an urgent appointment, and trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency. Early decay is usually the smaller fix, which is why these signs are worth acting on.
Seen a supplement claim to "rebuild enamel"? Read what the evidence says first.
Make your daily routine do more.
The daily care path covers brushing, flossing and the tools that make it easier to protect enamel and gums every day.