If you’re feeling sharp pain at the gum line, you’re not alone.

• “I have a sensitive tooth near the gum.”
• “Cold water hurts right at the edge of my tooth.”
• “I feel pain when brushing near my gums.”
• “Why does this one spot sting when I breathe in?”
• sweet things hurt more

This type of discomfort is very common — and it’s usually not a traditional cavity.

What Causes Cold Sensitivity at the Gum Line?

When enamel thins near the gumline, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that connect directly to the nerve of the tooth.

Once exposed, you may feel:

• Sharp pain with cold drinks
• sharp pain with hot drinks
• Sensitivity to air
• Pain when brushing near the gums
• Discomfort when eating sweet salty foods

1. Toothbrush Damage to Teeth



Using a hard-bristle brush or scrubbing aggressively can wear away enamel near the gum line. Over time, this creates small grooves or “notches” in the tooth.

This is called abrasion. Erosion follows because dentin not covered in enamel erodes away about 4x as fast. Its only 86% mineralized as compared to the harder enamel at 96%

Aggressive brushing can cause:

• Gum recession
• Thinning enamel
• Root exposure
• Long-term sensitivity

2. Bite Stress and Abfraction

Sometimes the issue isn’t brushing — it’s stress.

Heavy biting forces, clenching, or grinding can cause flexing at the neck of the tooth. Over time, this creates small V-shaped lesions at the gum line.

These stress lesions can:

• Cause sharp localized pain
• Look like a notch near the gum
• Worsen over time if untreated

Often, brushing is blamed — but the bite is the real cause.

3. Gum Recession and Root Exposure

When gums recede, the softer root surface becomes exposed.

Root surfaces are more sensitive because they lack protective enamel.

This can lead to:

• Cold sensitivity at the gum line
• Sensitivity when brushing
• Increased plaque retention

Sharp Gum Line Pain in Riverview, FL

If you’re experiencing cold sensitivity at the gum line or noticing enamel wearing away near your gums, it’s important to determine the cause.

At Chris A. Castellano DMD PA in Riverview, we evaluate:

• Brushing habits
• Bite forces
• Gum health
• Structural wear patterns

Then we treat the underlying issue — not just the symptom.



If you’re searching for answers about:

• Why your tooth hurts near the gum
• Whether brushing too hard is damaging your teeth
• Or how to stop gum line sensitivity

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